Metal Mouth Message Board

I havent been to the dentist since April of 04. I was braced late May of 04. I'm kinda scared to go to the dentist, i have heard from a lot of people how painful it is to get your teeth cleaned with braces. I dont have a regular dentist that i go to, and honestly before April of 04 it had been a good 5 years since i had been to the dentist prior.

I just dont feel like going through the torture of having my teeth cleaned and flossed by someone else, i mean i remember how painful it was getting them flossed when i didnt even have braces.

I was just wondering, can they even tell if you have cavities with the braces on? I have those molar bands on and I wasnt sure if you can even tell if you have a cavity with those..

I know it's not nice going to the dentist, but I really think you should try and go for a check-up at least a couple of times with the braces still on.

They can usually pick up on & treat any decay, plus they can watch for signs of tooth-scarring/decay around the brackets.

If it's painful for you - tell them beforehand, then they might be more gentle with you!!

Good luck & take care

LUCY xxx

Yes, you should get your teeth cleaned while still in braces. My ortho's motto is...Clean teeth move faster.
Good luck!

Hi Dressed2kill, I totally agree with the others, go and get your teeth cleaned. No matter how you try, you cannot get all the tartar off with a toothbrush or other equipment. Now, that being said, I would suggest you schedule your appointment to occur a few days before your next orthodontic appointment. That way your teeth have had time to settle.

I had mine cleaned without having the arch wires removed and my hygenist did a fine job and was very gentle.

I agree, since you don't have a regular dentist, that you should inform the dental receptionist that you have braces and that you are concerned about additional discomfort.

Be brave, you got braces to make your teeth better, so this is just part of the package you have to do. (If need be, take an ibuprophin or tylenol before going) Good luck and let us know how you did.