Can You Get Your Teeth Cleaned with Braces? A Complete Guide

At Elate Orthodontics, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is a cornerstone of successful orthodontic treatment. Many patients wonder if professional teeth cleaning is necessary or even possible while wearing braces. The answer is a resounding yes! Regular dental cleanings are essential to prevent plaque buildup, protect your gums, and ensure your braces stay in top condition.

In this blog, we’ll answer all your questions about teeth cleaning with braces, why it matters, and how to maintain optimal oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic journey.

Can You Get Your Teeth Cleaned While Wearing Braces?

Absolutely! In fact, regular dental cleanings are more important than ever when you have braces. The brackets and wires create additional spaces where food particles and plaque can accumulate, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Professional cleanings help remove stubborn buildup that can’t be reached with regular brushing and flossing.

Why Are Professional Cleanings Important with Braces?

1. Plaque and Tartar Removal:
   Braces can make it harder to clean certain areas of your teeth. Dental professionals use special tools to remove plaque and tartar that build up around brackets and wires.
2. Gum Health:
   Braces can sometimes irritate the gums, leading to inflammation or swelling. Regular cleanings ensure your gums stay healthy and reduce the risk of gingivitis.
3. Preventing Decay:
   Even with diligent at-home care, certain spots may be hard to reach. Professional cleanings reduce the chance of cavities forming around the brackets.
4. Better Results Post-Treatment:
   A clean, healthy mouth ensures your teeth and gums are in the best condition when your braces come off, leading to a more beautiful smile.

How Does Teeth Cleaning Work with Braces?

Professional cleanings for braces wearers are similar to standard cleanings, but with a few adjustments:

1. Initial Exam:
   The dentist or hygienist will examine your teeth, gums, and braces to identify areas of concern, such as plaque buildup or irritated gums.
2. Specialized Tools:
   They’ll use tools specifically designed to clean around braces. Ultrasonic scalers, for example, can remove tartar without damaging your brackets or wires.
3. Fluoride Treatment:
   After cleaning, a fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen your teeth and prevent decay.
4. Tips for At-Home Care:
   Before you leave, your dental team may provide personalized advice to improve your brushing and flossing routine.

How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned with Braces?

For most people, dental cleanings are recommended every six months. However, if you’re wearing braces, your orthodontist may recommend more frequent visits—every 3–4 months—to ensure optimal oral health during treatment.

Tips for Cleaning Your Teeth at Home with Braces

1. Brush Thoroughly:
   Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush to clean around brackets and wires. Brush after every meal to remove food debris.
2. Floss Daily:
   Threader floss or water flossers can help you clean between teeth and under wires.
3. Use Mouthwash:
   An antimicrobial mouthwash can reduce plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy.
4. Avoid Sticky and Sugary Foods:
   Foods like caramel or hard candies can stick to your braces and increase the risk of decay.

What Happens If You Don’t Keep Your Teeth Clean with Braces?

Neglecting your oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can lead to:

• White Spots: Decalcification around brackets can leave permanent white marks on your teeth.
• Cavities: Plaque buildup increases the risk of tooth decay.
• Gum Disease: Poor hygiene can lead to swollen, bleeding gums or gingivitis.
• Extended Treatment Time: Dental issues may require pauses in your orthodontic treatment to address them.

How Elate Orthodontics Helps You Maintain a Healthy Smile

At Elate Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you achieve a beautiful smile while maintaining excellent oral health. We work closely with your general dentist to ensure your teeth are clean and healthy throughout your braces journey.

We also provide guidance on:

• Choosing the Right Oral Care Tools: From orthodontic toothbrushes to floss threaders, we’ll help you find products that work for you.
• Dietary Tips: Avoiding foods that can damage your braces or increase the risk of decay.

For additional advice, explore our blog: What Can and Can’t You Eat with Braces.

FAQs About Teeth Cleaning with Braces

1. Do Dental Cleanings Damage Braces?
   No. Professional cleanings are carefully performed to protect your braces while removing plaque and tartar.
2. Can I Skip Cleanings if I Brush Well at Home?
   Even with excellent at-home care, professional cleanings are essential to remove buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
3. Does Cleaning Hurt More with Braces?
   Cleanings with braces are no more uncomfortable than standard cleanings. Your hygienist will work gently around your braces.

Why Choose Elate Orthodontics and Tribute Family Dentistry?

At Elate Orthodontics, we provide top-tier orthodontic care, but maintaining oral hygiene requires a team effort. That’s why we partner with Tribute Family Dentistry, our trusted sister office, to offer comprehensive cleaning and dental care services tailored for braces wearers. Together, we ensure your smile journey is smooth, healthy, and successful.

Visit Tribute Family Dentistry today for your cleaning needs: www.tributedentistry.com.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Regular teeth cleanings are essential to maintaining a healthy smile during orthodontic treatment. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or learn more about our services at one of our convenient locations in Frisco, The Colony, or Prosper.

For more helpful resources, check out these blogs:

• Affordable Orthodontics in Texas
• Why Moms in The Colony Are Choosing Elate Orthodontics in 2025
• What Can and Can’t You Eat with Braces