Reguar Cleanings with Braces on?

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Fri Jul 07, 2006 9:09 am

So is it common for the arch wire to be taken off prior to dental cleaning? I also have a cleaning coming up in October, first one since being braced. My regular dentist is right next door to the ortho, but since I'll be visiting my parents (at the other side of the country) in October, I was thinking having their dentist do it, as he's one of my mom's friends and gives large discount. Or is that a bad idea and I should just stick with my own dentist (actually I just started going to him three months ago)?

Fri Jul 07, 2006 12:12 pm

Thanks KK! Your advice is always so helpful. I'll have my mom ask.

#18 Post by **tictac** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 1:45 pm

I'm wondering about the difference with the cleanings people mention scheduling with hygenists versus the dentist cleanings. Is there a difference in the type/level of cleaning? Are the hygenists partners in dental practices who specialise in the same type of cleaning your regular dentist does or is there something additional/specialised involved?
Thanks for any info!

There really shouldn't be a difference between the cleanings from a hygienist and a dentist. Remember this though...hygienists go to school to specifically learn how clean teeth (it's soo much more than that, but won't get into it). Dentists learn how to clean teeth in dental school, but we're talking days spent on this, as opposed to 2 years for hygienists. My dentist told me he spent exactly one day learning to do this in school. Not to knock dentists at all because I have tremendous respect for their knowledge and expertise, but hygienists have much more training in this area. I wouldn't worry about who's doing the cleaning though. Most dentists will do a fine job. Many do a great job!

I would be more concerned with my cleaning being done too quickly, by either a dentist or a hygienist. Patients with braces take longer in general. Yes, if you have great homecare, your cleaning will be much easier. But I personally don't think a great job can be done in 15 or even 20 minutes. Unless all they're doing is polishing. That is primarily cosmetic, not therapeutic, in nature. My point is, no matter who does it, make sure they are taking the time to evaluate all of your teeth and tissue, and not just whipping through and calling it a cleaning.

#19 Post by **Chris** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 2:40 pm

The only time I ever had an actual dentist do my cleaning is when he did ROOT PLANING, which is deep under the gumline and that took 2 visits (2 quadrants at a visit). Very tedious. Expensive too.

#20 Post by **pk_girl** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 4:28 am

I found it hard to get into the routine of brushing, as for the 16 years of my life prior I was never a brusher, yet my teeth remained healthy :S I don't know how that worked out. I brush as well as use a pipecleaner type thing.