If you have braces or Invisalign®, should you continue visiting your dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings? Can your dentist still clean your teeth if you’re wearing braces?
Spoiler alert – YES, it’s actually essential that you still visit your dentist throughout your orthodontic treatment!
Here’s everything you need to know:
Before you begin treatment
Before you begin treatment, it’s important that you aren’t past due with a cleaning and have had one within the last 6 months prior to your initial orthodontic exam. We want to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and ready to support your new smile!
Throughout your orthodontic treatment with any type of braces or Invisalign, it’s important that you visit your dentist every six months (or as frequently as your dentist requests) for professional cleanings. Your regular orthodontic check-ins and your regular dental cleanings are both essential for creating a beautiful, healthy smile.
Can you get your teeth cleaned with braces on?
Yes! Your orthodontic treatment shouldn’t impact your dental health. Your regular cleanings are as important as ever. Even with braces, plaque and tartar are still building up. In fact, brackets and wires provide even more places for plaque and tartar to accumulate.
Your dentist and hygienist have performed numerous dental cleanings with braces and have taken care of plenty of other patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Dentists are prepared for this!
In some cases, your dentist will request that we temporarily remove your wires for a more thorough cleaning. If so, our team will coordinate visits with your dental office to remove your wires, have your dental cleaning, then return to our office to have the wires replaced & adjusted. Some dentists have special dental instruments that work around brackets and archwires that do not require the removal of your wires.
Teeth cleaning with braces may take a little longer than when you didn’t have braces, but it’s important that your dentist has time to clean your teeth thoroughly.
Can you get x-rays with braces?
Yes you can! You should have x-rays taken regularly, as advised by your dentist. Although your braces are made of metal brackets and wires, they’re safe to undergo x-rays.
Routine x-rays are important for detecting tooth decay (cavities) that may not be apparent at first glance.
How often should I clean my teeth with braces?
Ideally, you’ll brush your teeth after each meal or snack to keep your braces debris-free. This is the best (and easiest) way to prevent bacteria buildup and ensure beautiful results at the end of your treatment.
It’s a good idea to carry a braces care kit when you’re at school or work, with a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste, or disposable Colgate® Wisp™ mini brushes for a quick and convenient brushing.
Teeth cleaning with Invisalign
Dental cleanings are a lot easier with Invisalign. You simply remove your aligners for your regular dental cleanings. You may have attachments or buttons with your Invisalign, but they are easy to clean around.
When cleaning your teeth during Invisalign treatment at home, you’ll remove your aligners to brush your teeth and floss your teeth, so you won’t have to make many adjustments to your oral care routine.
Have questions about dental cleaning with braces or Invisalign?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re here to guide you through orthodontic treatment and ensure that you achieve beautiful, lifelong results. If you’re looking for advice – or just want to chat about your child’s treatment – we’re here for you.
Our orthodontists and experienced team will go over your recommended treatment options on your first visit.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in St. Petersburg and Seminole, FL, we’d love to meet you. Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today!
