dentist says i should get cleaning every 3 months

[jackie100]

So my dentist says I should get cleanings every 3 months now because I have braces and apparently teeth with braces need more cleanings?

Are you getting your teeth cleaned more often now that you have braces?

[Betty Bat]

After my first cleaning with braces, my dentist suggested that I come in every 3 months, because I wasn't doing a good enough job of keeping my plaque under control - I was a little plaque factory!

I did get my teeth cleaned before my braces went on, first cleaning with braces 6 months after that, then second cleaning 3 months later. At the second cleaning, it appeared that I had learned at least part of the lesson on how to keep my teeth clean with braces. After that, I went every 4 months while I had braces on.

So, my advice is - wait until your first post-braces cleaning. That will give you (and your dentist) a better idea of how well you are cleaning with braces.

[cosmicgirl]

I've just had to cancel my cleaning appointment as my teeth felt so sore and tender - couldn't BEAR to touch them with my tongue, let alone have some gung-ho hygenist prodding and scraping and scratching about in there.
But I know I'll have to go at some point soon. Just a matter of timing it so my teeth are "resting" rather than on the move.

[KK Cat]

In the brochure I got from ortho's office they also recommend that adult's get teeth cleaned every 3 months (teens/children every 6 months). I've found that I need the clean every 3-4 months as I drink too much tea and my teeth stain from that. I have been cutting down (reluctantly ) and the dentist feels that 6 months may be OK for next visit, time will tell.

[Miss Smiley]

I went to my first post braces cleaning and they still recommended every 6 months for me. My ortho also scrapes away some of the plaque build up on my lower 6 when he sees any build up but he has not told me to go for cleanings more often. Past few adjustments he has not scraped any plaque nor has he told me to brush more often.

[Lisa65]

My hygienist said there was virtually nothing for her to do last time I went, and that it was up to me if I came back in 6 months, or just if/when I felt the need. I'm going to stick to 6 month visits though, just to keep my teeth as clean as possible.

Admittedly I do not tend to accumulate tartar so I'm lucky. Some people are more prone to it.

[ohmyjaw]

If you take good care of your teeth, I don't think you should need a cleaning more often than every six months.

I have had had braces for 2 and a half years, and I have only had one cleaning in that whole time. I don't have any insurance, and I am paying for the whole braces thing out of pocket, and I just couldn't afford it.

When I had my check-up/cleaning, everything was fine. But I am glad that I went, because the dentist spotted a band that didn't fit well, and it was catching food, and he said it could lead to decay. Apparently my ortho never noticed it.

[Chris1960]

Yeah, count me as one that doesn't think the 3 month interval is mandatory. I had my first 3 mo. post braces cleaning yesterday. And I don't think I'll go again for 6 mo.
I think if you are good about brushing/flossing and occasionally using a metal pick of your own you'd be okay to go 6 mo. Make sure you brush your gums - I forget why, but it sounded important.

[mariahfromchicago]

Nope. They said every 6 months.
- mariah

[dagwoman]

Mine actually said that I didn't have to come back for a year!

[TucsonDeb]

My periodontist insists on the same - every three months at her office. I'm not complaining (even though my insurance only covers 2 / year). I want to make sure there's nothing I'm doing to delay getting these suckers off (after 52 hours...)

[Becca]

I was told by my ortho to have my teeth cleaned every 4 months, instead of 6. I already made an appointment. I'm just wondering how they're going to floss around the braces? It always hurts when they've flossed without braces. I can't imagine how bad it'll be WITH braces! I know I've been flossing with the threader every night and so far it's been pretty painful. There's some teeth I can't even get between that I used to be able to floss. The ortho did tell me that would happen, though.

[Lorima]

My ortho says everyone must get their teeth cleaned every three months while in braces, and the 3rd and 9th month cleanings should be done with the wires off.
I'm going to do it, because I can afford it and I don't want to risk gum problems, while I'm already taking the unavoidable risks of braces.
Some people seem to need more cleanings than others - for a while when I had no dental insurance, and before braces, my regular dentist agreed that once every 12 months was okay for me, because I don't have a lot of tartar build-up and my gums are healthy. But my husband really has to have his done every 6 months, even though he is fanatic about flossing, brushing, etc., just because of his mouth chemistry.

[bracesafter40]

So my dentist says I should get cleanings every 3 months now because I have braces and apparently teeth with braces need more cleanings?

Are you getting your teeth cleaned more often now that you have braces?

No, I am not, I get three cleanings per year as I build up plaque quickly says my dentist. Unfortunately, my insurance still only pays for two of them ...next cleaning is March 5, delayed a week due to work travel schedule.

[*Denise*]

I love my Sonicare electric toothbrush.

My last cleaning was 09/05/07. My next one is 03/04/08.