Starting your orthodontic journey is exciting. You're on your way to straighter teeth, a healthier bite, and a confident smile. But before your braces go on, there’s an important first step that’s often overlooked: making sure your teeth and gums are perfectly clean and healthy. It might seem like a small detail, but clean teeth before braces can make a world of difference in how smoothly your treatment goes. Let’s talk about why this step matters so much, what can happen if it’s skipped, and how to make sure your mouth is in the best possible condition before your braces are fitted in Wokingham.
The Role of Oral Health Before Braces
When an orthodontist fits braces, they attach brackets directly to the surface of your teeth using a bonding material. This process works best when your enamel is clean and free from plaque, tartar, or gum inflammation.
If there’s any build-up present, it can interfere with the bonding process, making it difficult for the brackets to adhere securely. Worse still, bacteria trapped under or around the braces can lead to cavities or gum issues during treatment.
Why a Dental Cleaning Matters So Much
1. Prevents Early Decay
Food particles and plaque tend to stick more easily to brackets and wires once braces are in place. Starting with clean teeth helps reduce the chance of decay forming in those hard-to-reach areas.
Your dental hygienist will remove any hardened tartar (calculus) that can’t be reached with a toothbrush. This ensures your enamel stays protected throughout treatment.
2. Protects Your Gums
Healthy gums are essential for orthodontic success. Swollen or bleeding gums are signs of gingivitis, which can worsen when braces are added to the mix.
Patients sometimes undergo other treatments, such as dental implants Wokingham after orthodontics. For such cases, gum health is even more crucial as it directly affects long-term oral stability.
3. Helps Braces Stick Properly
Brackets are glued directly to your teeth but plaque and tartar make it difficult for the adhesive to bond properly. Clean enamel ensures each bracket adheres firmly, reducing the chances of one popping off mid-treatment.
If your dentist has mentioned invisalign Wokingham as an alternative to braces, keep in mind that even clear aligners need a clean mouth to fit comfortably and work effectively.
4. Reduces Bad Breath
Braces can trap food easily, especially in the early weeks of adjustment. If your teeth aren’t clean before fitting, bacteria already present can multiply quickly leading to unpleasant odours.
Starting fresh with clean teeth means fewer trapped bacteria and fresher breath throughout your treatment. It also sets the tone for good oral habits you’ll need while wearing braces.
How to Prepare Your Mouth Before Getting Braces
So, what does a pre-braces preparation look like? Think of it as giving your teeth a fresh start before a long journey.
Here’s what you can do to get ready:
- Book a professional cleaning – Your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar, polish your teeth, and check for any issues.
- Treat existing problems – Cavities, broken fillings, or gum inflammation should be resolved before your braces go on.
- Improve your daily hygiene – Brush at least twice a day and floss once daily. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.
- Eat mindfully – Start avoiding sticky or hard foods even before treatment begins; it’ll help you adjust to the orthodontic diet early.
Can You Get Braces If You Have Gum Disease or Cavities?
It’s possible, but not recommended until your mouth is fully healthy. Placing braces on teeth with untreated decay or gum disease can worsen both conditions. The brackets and wires make it harder to clean those areas, allowing bacteria to thrive.
If you’ve had restorative treatments like dental implants Wokingham in the past, your orthodontist may also need to adjust your treatment plan. The surrounding bone and gum tissue must be stable before moving teeth or applying orthodontic pressure.
Hygiene Tips for Once the Braces Are On
Getting braces doesn’t mean you have to compromise on oral hygiene but it does require a little extra effort. Once your brackets and wires are in place, try these strategies to keep your smile fresh and healthy:
- Brush after every meal. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to reach around brackets.
- Floss daily. Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean between teeth and under the wires.
- Rinse with fluoride mouthwash. This helps protect enamel from acid attacks.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Professional cleanings are essential every 6 months (or more often, if advised).
- Limit staining foods. Curry, red wine, and coffee can cause discolouration, especially around the brackets.
If you’ve chosen invisalign Wokingham instead of traditional braces, cleaning is simpler but don’t underestimate the importance of brushing before reinserting aligners. Trapped food particles can still cause decay.
What Happens If You Skip Cleaning Before Braces
- Brackets may detach early because of poor bonding on plaque-covered enamel.
- Gum swelling and bleeding can make adjustments uncomfortable.
- Increased risk of cavities due to trapped bacteria under the brackets.
- Longer treatment time, as poor hygiene can delay orthodontic progress.
- Uneven tooth colour once braces come off, from trapped stains or demineralisation spots.
The Long-Term Payoff of Starting with a Clean Mouth
- Healthier gums throughout treatment
- Fewer emergencies due to loose brackets
- A brighter smile post-treatment
- Smoother transition to retainers or other post-orthodontic care
And if you ever plan to have dental implants Wokingham or other restorative work in the future, you’ll already have established the hygiene habits that ensure long-term oral health.
Conclusion
Starting your orthodontic treatment with clean, healthy teeth isn’t just about appearances it’s the foundation for a smoother, more effective journey. Clean teeth help your braces stay secure, reduce discomfort, and prevent long-term staining or decay.At Smilo Dental Implants Group, we believe that great orthodontic care starts with great hygiene. Whether you’re preparing for braces, aligners, or planning future dental restoration, our dedicated team ensures your smile receives the attention it deserves. Begin your journey the right way with confidence, comfort, and care.
Share this page with your family and friends.