Can Dentist Remove Plaque with Braces? Expert Dental Cleaning Tips
People with braces are usually concerned with dental cleaning. A common question is can dentist remove plaque with braces? Yes, dentists can remove dental plaque with braces by using different tools. Braces cause plaque buildup around the wires which is significantly harder to clean. Plaque sometimes leads to tartar which causes tooth decay and gum disease. At Daily Smiles, Pembroke Pines FL, we provide dental cleaning and examining services. Dentists remove plaque from braces with the help of specialized tools and techniques to maintain patients’ oral health.
This article will give you an understanding of how plaque impacts your oral health and the steps dentists take to remove plaque buildup around your braces.
Impact of plaque on oral health
Plaque is the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. It contains bacteria and leftover food particles. Regular dental cleaning is important to remove plaque. If left on teeth for a long time leads to cavities and gingivitis.
The process of dental cleaning became complicated with braces. Plaque accumulates between the brackets and wires of braces, making it harder to maintain thorough dental cleaning.
How do braces make teeth cleaning challenging?
People with braces require more effort to clean and remove the tooth plaque around each band, wire, and bracket. Before applying braces orthodontist cleans the teeth but it does not remain clean for a long time. Over time food particles often trap orthodontic appliances and cause major oral health concerns such as gum diseases, tooth discoloration, and cavities.
You can consult the dentist to remove plaque from braces or ask for cleaning tips at home.
How do dentists remove plaque with braces?
If you have braces, you need to get a deep dental cleaning. At Pembroke Pines and Parkland, dentists use advanced tools to remove plaque and tartar with braces. Regular brushing and flossing don’t provide the same deep clean for your braces as the professional cleaning at a dentist’s clinic.
At Daily Smiles, we use the following steps to remove plaque with braces.
1. Teeth Examination
At first, the dentist examines your dental condition to check for signs of gingivitis. They also take your oral health history and check your neck and tongue for major oral issues such as mouth cancer.
2. Use Specialized Tools
Some specialized tools and techniques are used for dental cleaning whether you have braces or not. Dentists use ultrasonic scalers to remove the plaque and tartar. These tools clean the in-depth areas of braces and lower the risk of gum diseases.
3. Teeth Whitening
At this stage, the dentist uses textured toothpaste to scrub the stains and plaque from the teeth. Electric toothbrushes are used for polishing and teeth whitening.
4. Teeth Flossing
Dental flossing is the detailed cleaning of teeth with braces. Dentists use the looped floss threader to remove the leftover plaque between your teeth.
5. Fluoride Treatment
At the end stage, fluoride treatment is applied to prevent the tooth enamel from disease. It strengthens your teeth and prevents infection.
The cost of dental cleaning with braces is not specified. It varies depending on the location and dentist you are choosing. Dental plaque can lead to discoloration and damage to tooth enamel, which becomes permanent with braces. Professional teeth cleaning with braces is a better solution to get rid of plaque buildup around the braces.
Dental Care at Home with Braces
Getting a dentist cleaning is essential whether you have braces or not. However, daily brushing and home dental care will minimize the risk of oral disease. We recommend the following dental care to our patients with braces to properly clean the plaque.
- Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle to remove debris around the braces
- Curved or circular brushes can access between the teeth
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent dental issues
- Floss per day either in the morning or night
- Use mouthwashes that won’t harm your braces
Conclusion
Dentists use specific tools to remove plaque with braces. Professional dental cleaning combined with home dental care improves your oral wellness. Be sure to clean the plaque regularly, as it can harden to tartar in 24 to 72 hours. Our dentists at Daily Smiles in Pembroke Pines FL, provide dental care services for patients of all ages. You can visit our clinic for affordable dental cleaning and whitening services to maintain your bright smile.
FAQs
How often should I visit the dentist if I have braces?
Visit your dentist after 3 to 6 months for teeth cleaning with braces or more frequently than if you didn’t have braces. Professional teeth cleaning minimizes the chances of dental diseases and keeps your smile healthy and attractive.
Does plaque hurt when removed?
Patients review that plaque removal is a painless procedure. Sometimes patients have slight strange noises, prodding, and discomfort.
Can I remove plaque at home if I have braces?
Brushing and flossing can help manage plaque at home. However professional dental cleaning is necessary to avoid its hardening.