“Do you get hardened plaque under your braces?”
I am a 21 year old female. I want to know do you get hardened plaque under your braces?
6 Answers
Yes, if you don’t keep them clean.
If you follow your orthodontist’s instructions on how to keep your teeth clean you will not get plaque under your braces.
ONLY IF SOFT PLAQUE REMAINS, ACTING AS A LATTICES
You absolutely can get a hardened buildup around the edges of the braces. It is essential to use a tartar control toothpaste and be meticulous about cleaning your teeth and braces. Hardened buildup can be removed at your dental cleaning appointments but may create problems to technicians tying in your wires. This means you might need to see the dentist more often if you don't maintain good control through proper brushing on your own.
It's not clear what you mean by under the braces. Brackets are glued to your teeth and if glued properly no food or calculus can collect under the brackets. However, hardened plaque or calculus can collect around the bracket and between your teeth. This is usually due to poor oral hygiene. People wearing braces should have their teeth cleaned twice a year at least. There are some people who tend to collect calculus easier than others. If this pertains to you, then you may need to have you teeth cleaned quarterly.
Dr. Goodson
Dr. Goodson
People differ in their susceptibility to accumulating plaque regardless of braces, however, braces add to the problem. Oral hygiene is so important for good tooth movement so additional cleanings may be necessary with braces. With proper care, you have nothing to worry about. You will have to learn how to clean under your braces and take extra time.
