What is a Professional Dental Cleaning?
You may have heard your dentist talk about dental cleanings and how important they are. Professional dental cleanings are important because even people who follow all the recommended advice to brush their teeth after each meal and floss daily can still miss difficult-to-reach areas of their teeth, leaving those areas prone to plaque build-up and cavities.
Is it Possible with Braces?
All those brackets and wires on your teeth may have left you wondering, “Can you get a dental cleaning with braces?” The answer to that question is, “Yes!” In fact, it’s very important to get dental cleanings done while you have braces because braces add many new difficult-to-reach nooks and crannies to the surfaces of your teeth under and around those brackets and wires.
When you visit your dentist for a professional cleaning, your orthodontist or dentist may remove the wires and bands before the cleaning, just like when you get a regular adjustment to your braces, then replace them afterwards. Easy peasy!
How Often are Dental Cleanings Needed?
Professional dental cleanings are recommended regularly, typically every 6 months for healthy patients of all ages, including those undergoing orthodontic treatment, to help ensure that all the surfaces of every tooth are cleaned and cared for properly.
Talk with Your Orthodontist!
If you have more questions like “Can you get a dental cleaning with braces?” tell your orthodontist! Your orthodontist answers many questions every day from patients just like you who are new to their journey with braces and is always happy to help you learn how to take good care of your smile to ensure the best results!
Call our Columbia, TN, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.