Metal Mouth Message Board

I will be going for my first cleaning since having braces....Are most dentist able to do cleanings without the wire being removed? I have a tight work schedule and is hard for my to schedule stuff. I have an appointment with my ortho on the 26th of april and I want to try to get in before that.

Seems there are differences of opinion on this one, I'd venture to say mostly based on preference/experience.

I just had a cleaning two weeks ago and because of my braces, they just used the 'water jet with baking soda thingy', yes, that's a technical term.

It's a bit messy, but cleaned things up and removed stains in a fantastic way, I didn't mind at all, since it was WAY easier to clean my glasses after than to go ortho office and have archwires removed etc. My dental office said it wasn't a big deal.

Ultimately I think it's up to you. Happy cleaning no matter what you decide!

Smile!

d

Most dental offices shouldn't have an issue. Orthodontics aren't exactly exotic, and offices shouldn't expect you to burn up an entire day running all over town just to get teeth cleaned.

I could see them wanting a wire out if more extensive work needed to be done, but a routine cleaning should go just fine with the wire in.

I had my wire removed at my last cleaning. The hygienist still had to be really careful scaling near the glue on the front of the teeth, and she did say it was easier without the wire, but she could do it either way.

As someone else posted, I did chase all over town that day, and actually ended up back at the dentist office for some reason that day, so it turned out to be 4 dental visits (wire off, cleaning, wire on, 2nd dentist visit). I honestly do not think it was worth all that hassle.

I have not yet gone to my dentist in the entire time I've had braces. Shortly after I got them on my health coverage kicked me out so I don't have that extra money for a dentist. I was already playing for the braces out of my pocket...

Not sure what to expect when I do go back...

I had mine cleaned 4 days ago with the wires in.mouth felt great after

My ortho recommended that I go more frequently for cleaning (every 4 months) with the braces on.

I'll find out in August when I have my checkup whether or not they will do cleanings with wires in. If they don't I am sure I can arrange to get the wires out. The dentist and the orthodontists office are about two blocks apart so I won't even have to drive if that happens.

I go for cleanings every four months now, and have had one cleaning since getting my braces on. I didn't get my wire removed, she just cleaned around it. It did take a little longer (so that would cost more if it isn't covered by your insurance) - it took 45 minutes, and she said that my teeth were so clean to begin with that I made her job easy I think they generally take 30-45 minutes for a cleaning anyways, but if your teeth aren't super clean already it might take longer than that.

Sine I got braces I was worried about how I can get teeth cleaning with my braces on !! My tooth and gum are very sensitive and I used to go every 6 months for cleanings which help very much .


How can they clean the teeth with the brackets on each tooth
wouldn't this break any bracket ?
shall I ask my ortho before I go for cleaning ??Or all the dentists are aware of how to clean with braces ?

I just got a cleaning last week. I had my wire in and it was fine. In fact when I told the assistant before hand that my teeth were sensitive she recommended a flouride varnish that they would paint on my teeth afterwards. She said that the fluoride would seal up my teeth and make them a bit less sensitive. I tried it and so far so good. I think its the same fluoride that I used to get when I was a kid. I couldn't use my water pik before because the water will kill my teeth but I can now. It made quite a difference.

I have been getting my teeth cleaned every 3 months. No wires taken out. They also use the "water and something" jet. Sprays everything. Really feels funny. But it really works at cleaning my teeth and my braces.

I have had both - ortho prefers the wire out for my cleanings but sometimes my schedule just wont allow it.

I definitely have a better cleaning without the wire - but I too go every 3 months so it isnt a big huge deal for the occasional cleaning with the wire in.

I've only had my teeth cleaned with the wire on. It can be done effectively, although, the hygienist will probably have to work a little (or a lot?) harder. I have had different hygienists clean my teeth while I had braces/wires on, and I must say that some are WAY better than others at it. Every cleaning I've had, I've been told that I already have really good oral hygiene... because I have braces, I would prefer for a "deep" cleaning. Some hygientists seem to just rush through and barely do anything... one flossed my teeth without even bothering to go under the wire... when you have braces, I feel like more should be done. The good hygienists (I mean the ones that give me that "cleaner than brushing" feeling) will take the extra time to scrape off any accumilated tarter (which I never had until I got braces), clean one tooth at a time, and most importantly, floss below the gumline (something people tend to skip a lot with or without braces. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, cleanings can be performed with the wire on, but hopefully your hygienist is willing to put in the extra work it takes to do it

My dentist does the cleaning with the wires in. They don't seem to have a problem working around them.