Getting braces can be a big step toward achieving a straighter, healthier smile. However, it also brings up the important question: can you still get your teeth cleaned while wearing braces? In short, yes! You absolutely can and should get your teeth cleaned, even with braces.
Maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is crucial to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and your braces work effectively.
In this article, we’ll explain why regular dental cleanings are essential for people with braces and offer tips on how to clean your teeth with braces in between professional visits.
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Can Dentists Remove Plaque with Braces?
One of the common concerns for people with braces is plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can accumulate on your teeth, even more so when braces are involved.
The brackets and wires of braces create tiny spaces where food particles and plaque can easily get trapped, making it harder to clean your teeth thoroughly.
Fortunately, your dentist is fully equipped to remove plaque during professional cleanings, even with braces. They use specialized tools designed to clean around the brackets and wires, ensuring that plaque is effectively removed from all surfaces of your teeth.
It’s important to visit your dentist regularly for these cleanings to avoid plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease or tooth decay.
How to Clean Teeth with Braces
While your dentist plays a significant role in keeping your teeth clean, you’ll also need to stay on top of your oral hygiene at home. Here are a few tips on how to clean your teeth properly while wearing braces:
Use the right toothbrush
Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head that can easily reach around the brackets and wires. There are also electric toothbrushes available with orthodontic heads designed specifically for braces.
Floss carefully
Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s essential for removing food particles and plaque between your teeth. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to get underneath the wires and clean thoroughly. Regular flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
Clean around brackets
Don’t forget to brush around your brackets. Use small, circular motions to clean each tooth’s surface, and be gentle to avoid damaging your brackets or wires.
Rinse with mouthwash
An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce plaque buildup and keep your mouth fresh. It’s especially helpful for reaching areas that your toothbrush may have missed.
Avoid sticky or hard foods
Foods like chewing gum, caramel, and hard candies can easily get stuck in your braces and make cleaning more difficult. Stick to soft foods that are easier to clean around.
Regular Dental Checkups: Why They Matter
In our clinic in Laveen, we always advise our patients to schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups while they have braces. These visits ensure that any plaque or tartar buildup is taken care of, and your dentist can check the progress of your treatment.
During these cleanings, your dentist will not only remove plaque but also check for any potential issues like tooth decay or gum inflammation.
Even though brushing and flossing are essential, a professional cleaning helps maintain your overall oral health and ensures that your braces are working effectively.
These cleanings typically take longer than a regular cleaning because your dentist needs to clean around the braces and between the wires.
Get Affordable, High-Quality Dental Services at Somos Dental
At Somos Dental, we offer the most affordable dental care, with flexible payment plans that don’t require insurance. Whether you’re looking for routine cleanings or braces that can help improve your smile, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Visit us at any of our locations in Phoenix or Dallas!
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Start today with a free consultation! Call 623-869-1091 or book online to find the perfect braces for your needs.
Maintaining a healthy smile with braces requires commitment, but with the right care, you can keep your teeth clean and your treatment on track.
By following these tips and visiting your dentist regularly, you’ll ensure that your braces work as intended, giving you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
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