If you’re getting braces, you might be wondering if your orthodontist cleans your teeth beforehand. You better know that getting your teeth cleaned before braces is an important step. Here, we tell you all about cleaning before braces in Washington, so read on to learn more.
Do They Clean Your Teeth Before Braces?
Yes, your orthodontist will usually recommend a cleaning before putting your braces on. It’s a step that ensures your teeth are healthy and ready for treatment. A clean mouth helps your braces fit better, stay in place, and reduce the chance of future dental problems.
Do Orthodontists Clean Teeth?
Orthodontists focus on aligning your teeth and making your smile straighter. They don’t typically clean your teeth, but they do make sure your teeth are healthy enough for braces. A dental hygienist or your general dentist will usually clean your teeth before your orthodontist puts the braces on.
Why is it Necessary to Get Your Teeth Cleaned Before Getting Braces?
Dental cleaning before braces in Washington is necessary for a few important reasons:
- Your hygienist checks for plaque, tartar, and any dental problems like cavities or gum disease that need attention before braces.
- Plaque and tartar are carefully scraped off, especially near the gum line, where buildup is most common.
- Your teeth are polished to remove surface stains, leaving them smooth, shiny, and ready for braces.
- A fluoride treatment is applied to strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth from future cavities.
- The hygienist looks for hidden problems like cavities or gum disease that could affect your braces or treatment.
- Ultrasonic tools may be used to clean plaque from below the gum line, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
- Finally, the hygienist polishes between your teeth to remove any remaining plaque or stains that brushing missed.
How Long to Wait to Get Braces After a Deep Cleaning?
If you’ve had a deep cleaning, you might wonder how long to wait before getting braces. Typically, you should wait a few weeks for your gums to heal. Deep cleanings can cause some mild soreness and inflammation, so giving your gums time to rest is key.
The timeline, depending on your dental health, includes:
- Those with healthy teeth & gums should wait 1–2 weeks.
- For those with mild gum disease, it takes 2–4 weeks.
- For moderate gum disease, it takes 4–6 weeks for the gums.
- Those with severe gum disease should wait 6–8 weeks.
- If you have cavities or fillings, you can usually get braces after 1–2 weeks.
- After a deep cleaning, it’s typically recommended to wait 2–4 weeks.
How Long Does a Teeth Cleaning Take With Braces?
Once you have your braces, keeping your teeth clean is even more important! The process of cleaning your teeth while wearing braces is a bit longer because the best dental professional or hygienist will need to clean around all the wires and brackets. This usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. It’s important to get regular cleaning before braces to prevent plaque from building up.
What is the Cost of Teeth Cleaning Before Braces?
The cost of cleaning before braces depends on where you go and what kind of cleaning you need. On average, a regular cleaning is affordable. If you need a deep cleaning, the cost could be higher. While this might feel like an extra expense, it helps you avoid problems with your braces later on.
In Kirkland, WA, we offer teeth cleaning before braces to make sure your smile is ready for treatment. If you’re interested in getting your teeth cleaned and your braces on, contact us at (425) 827-2003.
Let’s Recap
Dental cleaning before braces is a crucial step in making sure your orthodontic treatment goes smoothly. It helps with proper bonding, prevents gum disease, and reduces the risk of cavities. Don’t skip this important step! Make sure to visit your dentist or hygienist for cleaning before your braces appointment. Your future self (and your teeth) will thank you!
FAQs
No, getting braces with dirty teeth is not recommended. Plaque and tartar can get stuck under the braces, leading to cavities or gum issues.
Orthodontists don’t typically clean teeth, but they check your teeth to make sure there are no issues before putting on braces.
Rinse your invisible braces with lukewarm water, use a soft toothbrush, and don’t use toothpaste.
Before getting braces, make sure to get your teeth cleaned, get any necessary dental treatments, and take care of any existing dental issues.
Your dentist or hygienist cleans your teeth around the brackets and wires. This can take longer than a typical cleaning, so be patient!
Yes, regular cleanings are important to prevent plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy throughout your treatment.
- Clean teeth help the brackets stick better. The glue used to bond the brackets to your teeth needs a clean surface.
- Plaque and tartar can hide under the brackets, causing gum problems. Cleaning before braces reduces the risk of gum disease.
- Braces can trap food and bacteria, which makes it easier for cavities to form. A cleaning beforehand lowers this risk.
- A cleaning before braces removes surface stains, so your teeth look brighter when the braces go on!
- Clean teeth make it easier to care for your mouth during treatment.
- A cleaning allows your dentist to find and fix any problems before your braces go on.
