Metal Mouth Message Board

I'm a bit disappointed, I was initially supposed to get braced as soon as possible after I had impressions done. It seems like to them as soon as possible is 6 weeks away, so I'm thinking of getting a deep cleaning done. I had a regular cleaning done 1 month ago but It doesn't look so "clean" and I bleed every time i brush or floss.

Any thoughts as to what I should expect and if It's a good idea to go ahead and get it done now?

Keeping teeth clean with braces is a lot harder and takes quite some time with brushing and flossing and anything you can do to give you a head start is worthwhile. I saw my dentist and hygienist every three months during braces as I wanted to make sure everything was as good as it could be for when they came off. I had my braces removed a few days ago and everything is just fine so as far as I was concerned, it was a precaution well worth taking.

Scaling and root planing is only prescribed to those with inflammation in the gums. Keep up with your flossing and brushing routine, you'd be alright!

NeilH wrote:Keeping teeth clean with braces is a lot harder and takes quite some time with brushing and flossing and anything you can do to give you a head start is worthwhile. I saw my dentist and hygienist every three months during braces as I wanted to make sure everything was as good as it could be for when they came off. I had my braces removed a few days ago and everything is just fine so as far as I was concerned, it was a precaution well worth taking.

Did you have to pay out of your pocket for those extra cleanings? Having to prepare for braces is costing me a lot more than I initially thought it would, but If it means a better smile at the end then It's worth it.

janedoe wrote:

NeilH wrote:Keeping teeth clean with braces is a lot harder and takes quite some time with brushing and flossing and anything you can do to give you a head start is worthwhile. I saw my dentist and hygienist every three months during braces as I wanted to make sure everything was as good as it could be for when they came off. I had my braces removed a few days ago and everything is just fine so as far as I was concerned, it was a precaution well worth taking.

Did you have to pay out of your pocket for those extra cleanings? Having to prepare for braces is costing me a lot more than I initially thought it would, but If it means a better smile at the end then It's worth it.

I did the same thing and had to pay out of pocket for the extras. I used my medical flex spending account to lessen the financial impact.

janedoe wrote:

NeilH wrote:Keeping teeth clean with braces is a lot harder and takes quite some time with brushing and flossing and anything you can do to give you a head start is worthwhile. I saw my dentist and hygienist every three months during braces as I wanted to make sure everything was as good as it could be for when they came off. I had my braces removed a few days ago and everything is just fine so as far as I was concerned, it was a precaution well worth taking.

Did you have to pay out of your pocket for those extra cleanings? Having to prepare for braces is costing me a lot more than I initially thought it would, but If it means a better smile at the end then It's worth it.

Hi, I'm based in the UK and we have a wonderful national health service so unless my dentist did something, there was no charge. I can only think of maybe one occasion in the three years they may have done a polish and it would have been at very little cost. I'm amazed that they continued to see me every three months but it certainly helped my peace of mind.

My hygienist appointments were at a private clinic which I didn't mind paying for as a) my hygienist is lovely and b) I left with super clean and shiny teeth (and brackets). I think it's always worthwhile thinking about the total overall cost of ortho work including extra appointments and the extra bits and pieces we acquire along the way (see my other post on being prepared!).

Scaling an root planing is only for those with gum disease. You'd probably need a recovery period of 6-12mth before braces can be placed.

Why don't you just get another cleaning?

Sorry for the late reply, I was in the middle of changing ISPs.

@ NeilH, Thank you, for the suggestion, I've spent days on this forum and I can't believe I didn't cross into that thread yet.

I just scheduled an appointment with another dentist. It will cost 350$ US, and this is just for a basic cleaning and a consultation. I don't just want another cleaning, I want to repair all the damage that has accumulated over the years due to poor dental hygiene and years of liquid iron supplements. I was hoping scaling and root planing would help.

janedoe wrote:Sorry for the late reply, I was in the middle of changing ISPs.

@ NeilH, Thank you, for the suggestion, I've spent days on this forum and I can't believe I didn't cross into that thread yet.

I just scheduled an appointment with another dentist. It will cost 350$ US, and this is just for a basic cleaning and a consultation. I don't just want another cleaning, I want to repair all the damage that has accumulated over the years due to poor dental hygiene and years of liquid iron supplements. I was hoping scaling and root planing would help.

You should discuss this with your ortho if root planing and scaling is ok before braces go on. Sometimes, sensitivity may linger on long after, up to months.

[quote="Carrotcake"]Scaling an root planing is only for those with gum disease. You'd probably need a recovery period of 6-12mth before braces can be placed.[/quote]

Actually I had a deep cleaning a month before my braces were put on. I now get regular cleanings every three months and pay $60 for each of the two extra cleanings. So farsI feel it is worth it.