When you first begin orthodontic treatment, it’s common to wonder, “Can you get your teeth cleaned while wearing braces?” The short answer is — absolutely! Regular dental cleanings are not just possible during orthodontic treatment; they’re essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
While our orthodontic office in Longwood and Lake Mary focuses on straightening your smile, your family dentist provides the professional cleanings you’ll need during braces.
TLDR: Dental Cleanings with Braces
- Yes, you can (and should) get regular dental cleanings with braces.
- We recommend at least 2 cleanings a year, but your dentist will advise you if you need more frequent cleanings.
- Dental cleanings help prevent cavities, gum inflammation, and staining.
- Orthodontists focus on straightening teeth — dentists and hygienists handle cleanings.
- Regular visits to both your orthodontist and dentist help ensure a healthy, beautiful smile.
Why Professional Teeth Cleaning with Braces is So Important
Nobody said it’s easy to keep your teeth spotless while wearing braces! Brackets, wires, and bands can make it harder to remove all food particles and plaque, even with great brushing and flossing habits.
That’s why teeth cleaning with braces is a must. Most patients need professional cleanings every 6 months, and some benefit from 3–4 per year. These visits remove plaque and tartar buildup, keeping your teeth and gums in top shape while helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Do orthodontists do cleanings?
Some new patients wonder, “Do orthodontists clean teeth?” The answer is no — your orthodontist’s specialty is straightening teeth and aligning bites, not providing dental cleanings.
Our team at Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics will guide you on proper home care, but you’ll continue to see your general dentist or hygienist for professional cleanings during treatment.
The Role of Regular Dental Checkups During Braces
In addition to keeping your smile fresh and clean, your dentist can help address:
1. Tooth Decay
Braces don’t protect you from cavities! If decay is found, your dentist will treat it as usual. In necessary cases, we’ll coordinate adjustments to your appliances so treatment can be done.
2. Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath can come from food particles trapped around braces, but sometimes it’s caused by other dental or health issues. Your dentist can pinpoint the cause and recommend solutions.
3. Painful or Swollen Gums
Irritated gums can be more common when cleaning teeth with braces is tricky. Dental cleaning with braces can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
4. Stained Teeth
While wearing braces, avoid stain-causing foods and drinks when possible. If staining occurs, your dentist or hygienist may help minimize it. After braces are removed, whitening treatments can help you achieve your brightest smile.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Cleaning with Braces
The process of cleaning teeth with braces is very similar to a regular cleaning. Your dental hygienist will carefully clean around each bracket and along the gumline, using special tools to remove plaque and tartar that can collect around your braces.
In some cases, we may remove a wire before the appointment to give your hygienist better access to hard-to-reach areas. The cleaning may take slightly longer, but the result is the same — a fresh, healthy smile that’s protected against cavities and gum disease.
Dental Cleanings with Invisalign®
If you’re in Invisalign treatment, cleaning teeth with Invisalign® is as simple as it was before you started orthodontics. You’ll remove your clear aligners before the appointment, and your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth just as they normally would — no special tools or techniques needed.
Because aligners are removable, it’s even easier to keep your teeth clean between visits, as long as you maintain great brushing and flossing habits.
Teamwork for a Healthier Smile
Most other dental treatments — such as fillings, root canals, and extractions — can still be performed during orthodontic care. As your experienced, board-certified orthodontist in Lake Mary and Longwood, we’re more than happy to collaborate with your dentist to make sure your teeth stay healthy throughout your treatment.
By pairing expert orthodontic care with regular dental cleanings, you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have more questions! Haven’t started your journey yet? Book a complimentary consultation at our orthodontic office in Longwood or Lake Mary, FL — or start from home with a virtual consultation first!
