Dental cleaning and braces?

[Gia]

I had a dental cleaning 2 months before I got braces - that's when I got referred to an orthodontist. I have another scheduled in a few weeks. I know the orthodontist sent a letter to my dentist, but I haven't had any contact. I'm assuming they can do the cleaning with wires on? How much longer does it take than a normal cleaning?

[wendydong]

the best thing is to do 3 appts for your dental cleaning

1) have your wires removed at your ortho office
2) get the dental cleaning
3) have your wires put back on at your ortho office.

they can do the cleaning with wires on, but it's difficult. Without the wires, it takes about the same time as usual

[cbraces678]

Hi Gia,

I get my teeth cleaned every 3 months with my wires in. My ortho is about an hour away whereas my dentist is local, so removing the wires isn't an option for me. The cleaning doesn't take much longer than a normal one, but it is different. First they use a water scaler (basically a very very high powered, precise Waterpik lol). They then do regular scaling. Finally, polishing is done by an air polishing system rather than regular rotational polishing. It's sort of like getting your teeth sandblasted with powder. My teeth feel very clean after and I think I'm in the chair for about 30 minutes. The cost is the same as a regular cleaning as well. Hopefully that helps!

[Gia]

Thanks. Getting wires removed and replaced is not an option for me. I schedule dental cleanings first thing Saturday morning. No other time is an option with work, and I don't have time to go back and forth with 3 visits. Even if I could coordinate the appointments, that would take the entire morning. The info about what they do is helpful. I have other things already scheduled afterwards and am trying to figure out if I need to change anything.

[Jethro]

I've always had dental cleanings with the wires on and have never had an issue. An experienced hygienist is accustomed to working on patients with braces. The time has been the same...30 minutes or less.

All the Best,

Jethro

[Gia]

Thanks.

[kplatt2010]

Bless me Father because I've been a super bad girl...Use to go to dentist twice yearly for cleanings and have not been in ~3 years. My first rationale was the pain and suffering from braces during the first year adapting. Second year excuse was major jaw surgery; that one was a good one...Going on third year and newest rationale is waiting to get the braces off and then get a cleaning.

Knock on wood; I have not had any major issues. I've been super good with keeping things clean and using waterpik. I'm not a flosser nor ever been one nor will ever become one. I use to floss one week before dental appointments but have not been in 3 years so no flossing!!

My ortho does remark every time i go how remarkably clean my teeth are. That Waterpik is the BOMB!!!

I do solemnly swear to go to the dentist once the braces come off