Braces are a great way to achieve a straighter smile, but braces also make everyday dental hygiene a little more difficult. Food particles and plaque are likely to get trapped around brackets and wires, which can increase the chances of cavities and gum issues developing. That is why routine professional cleanings are more critical than ever while in orthodontic treatment. If you are having orthodontics done, you may be wondering if you can still get a dental cleaning in Red Deer, and yes—you should!
Why Dental Cleanings are Important With Braces
When you have braces on, brushing and flossing at home are only so effective. Even when you try your best, it’s easy to miss places around all those brackets and wires. Over time, brushing and flossing can lead to the buildup of plaque, tartar, or even early gum disease. Going into a dental clinic in Red Deer, you can ensure your teeth are effectively cleaned in places that are hard to get to with braces on.
Can a Dentist Clean Your Teeth With Braces?
Definitely. A dentist near you or a dental hygienist is trained to clean your teeth around braces. Although it may take a little longer, there are tools and techniques to help them properly remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gumline. This is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy and also protect the investment you made in orthodontic treatment.
What to Expect During Dental Cleaning with Braces
Getting dental cleaning with braces is similar to regular cleaning. However, the process will be slightly different than a standard cleaning. Here’s what usually happens:
1) A hygienist will scale around brackets and wires carefully, removing tartar
2) Special tools will clean the mouth between the teeth and underneath the wires.
3) The polishing inserts special care to be careful of the braces
4) Fluoride may be applied to strengthen enamel
The goal of a cleaning with braces is to prevent cavities, gum inflammation, or white spots from forming around the braces.
Challenges of Teeth Cleaning While Wearing Braces
Cleaning teeth at home is more tedious if you are wearing braces. You’ll experience the following common challenges:
1) Food getting stuck easily inside the brackets and wires
2) Flossing between the teeth is difficult
3) Plaque builds up quickly in the appropriate areas
Due to these challenges, professional cleanings are necessary to maintain good oral health. Patients who stay up-to-date on cleanings generally have smoother and healthier results when their braces are removed.
How to Clean Teeth with Braces at Home
While having a cleaning of teeth every few months is important, so is being diligent in your care at home. Here are some effective orthodontic dental cleaning tips:
1) Brush after every meal to remove food debris.
2) Use an orthodontic toothbrush or an electric toothbrush to provide an even better cleaning.
3) Floss every day with floss threaders or specialty orthodontic floss.
4) Use an interdental toothbrush to clean in tight, hard-to-clean areas
5) Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to promote gum health.
These cleaning tips will help decrease plaque buildup and thus make the professional cleanings more effective.
Professional Cleaning for Braces vs Regular Cleaning
While the goal of regular cleaning of teeth is to remove plaque and tartar, a professional cleaning of braces requires additional care. Hygienists take care to pay close attention to brackets, wires, and where food gets lodged. The cleaning with braces takes longer; however, it is important to help keep your teeth and gums healthy through the orthodontic process.
Keep Your Smile Healthy with Regular Cleanings
Braces do not mean you have to sacrifice your oral health. As long as you visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and are brushing and flossing properly at home, you will not have to worry about cavities, gum disease, or discoloration.
At Delta Dental, we want our patients with braces to maintain their healthy smiles while they get the results they are looking for. Schedule your cleaning appointment today to take your next step in maintaining a healthy and bright smile!
