Getting braces can leave you wondering what to eat and how to brush. Another thing brace wearers wonder is, ‘How do dentists clean teeth with braces?’ If this applies to you, then you’re in luck! Keep reading to find out more.
What Goes Into a Routine Dental Cleaning?
This may come as a surprise, but the truth is wearing braces doesn’t entail any special cleaning procedures. Your dentist will keep cleaning your teeth in exactly the same way as before.
The only difference is you’ll probably need to go in more frequently. Experts recommend that people with braces get their teeth cleaned every six months instead of yearly for those without them.
These five steps will give you a brief insight into what you can expect during your upcoming cleaning appointment.
Step 1: Examining
The first thing your dentist will do is perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and tissue. This provides a detailed outline of the overall health of your mouth and rules out any sign of gingivitis.
The dentist can also take the opportunity to sneak a peek underneath your tongue for any signs of mouth cancer.
Step 2: Cleaning
Using the same tools and equipment as before you had braces, your dentist will start the cleaning process.
Yet, keep in mind that while the technique is the same, it may take slightly longer to get around and under the hardware.
If you have plaque or tartar buildup, the hygienist will use a scaler to remove it to prevent infection, which can eventually lead to gum disease. A scaler makes the removal process quick and easy.
It does a great job, especially around the metal brackets and your gum line.
Step 3: Polishing
Polishing your teeth is the quickest and most fun part of this entire process. It involves using toothpaste with some grit to polish and whiten your teeth.
The dentist will apply this gritty toothpaste to an electric toothbrush. Next, they’ll work in circles, making sure to cover all nooks and crannies
Step 4: Flossing
Flossing is essential for anyone, braces or not. Yet, it can be challenging to floss around the wires when you have braces.
A dentist, on the other hand, has no problem carrying out this simple task thanks to the floss threader. This looped tool makes cleaning between your teeth and wires less of a hassle.
Step 5: Safeguarding
The final step of your cleaning routine is to add a protective layer over your teeth. This is done with the help of what the experts call a ‘fluoride treatment.’
It’s a great way to strengthen the tooth enamel, thus adding a protective coating to prevent cavities and bacterial growth.
Fluoride treatments come in various flavors. Depending on what your dentist has on hand, you’ll be asked to choose one you like. Next, the dentist will pour some over the mouthpiece and leave it in for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off.
Conclusion
So, how do dentists clean teeth with braces? The same way they do without them. The only difference is that if you have braces, you’ll need to go in for more frequent cleaning sessions. In the meantime, protect those pearly whites by brushing and flossing daily.