If you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, Invisalign, or clear aligners in SE Calgary, you might be wondering: “Do I still need regular dental cleanings?” or “How often should I see the dentist while wearing braces?”
The short answer: Yes—and they’re more important than ever.
At Toothcrew Family Dental, we see patients every week who assume they can skip their regular dental cleanings while straightening their teeth. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make during orthodontic treatment. In fact, maintaining your regular hygiene appointments every 3-6 months is absolutely critical for protecting your investment in a straighter smile.
Here’s everything you need to know about dental cleanings during braces or Invisalign treatment.
Why Dental Cleanings Are ESSENTIAL During Orthodontic Treatment
1. Braces Create More Places for Plaque to Hide
Traditional metal or ceramic braces add dozens of surfaces, brackets, and wires to your mouth—each one creating a perfect hiding spot for food particles and plaque. Even with excellent home care, you simply can’t clean around brackets and wires as effectively as our dental hygienists can with professional tools.
The result if you skip cleanings:
- White spot lesions (permanent stains) around brackets
- Cavities forming under or around brackets
- Swollen, bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Potential need to remove braces early to treat decay
These problems don’t just disappear when the braces come off. Those white spots and cavities remain visible on your newly straightened teeth, undermining the entire purpose of orthodontic treatment.
2. Gum Disease Risk Increases With Braces
The combination of harder-to-clean teeth and orthodontic hardware creates the perfect environment for gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (gum disease) to develop.
Statistics:
- Patients with braces have 2-3 times higher plaque accumulation than those without
- 50% of orthodontic patients develop some degree of gingivitis during treatment
- Severe gum disease can actually slow down or stop tooth movement
Professional dental cleanings at Toothcrew Family Dental remove the calculus (tartar) buildup that you can’t remove at home, preventing gum disease from taking hold during your orthodontic journey.
3. You’re Investing Thousands in Orthodontics—Protect That Investment
Whether you’re paying for traditional braces ($5,000-$8,000) or Invisalign ($4,000-$8,000), orthodontic treatment is a significant financial investment. Skipping $150-$250 dental cleanings to “save money” while undergoing $6,000 orthodontic treatment makes no sense.
Consider this scenario:
- Patient spends $6,000 on braces
- Skips dental cleanings for 18 months during treatment
- Develops 3 cavities and white spot lesions around brackets
- Now needs $1,500 in fillings and potentially veneers to fix the white spots
- Total cost: $7,500+ (plus the disappointment of damaged teeth)
Compare to:
- Patient spends $6,000 on braces
- Maintains regular cleanings every 6 months ($150 x 3 visits = $450)
- Braces come off to reveal perfectly straight, healthy teeth
- Total cost: $6,450 and a beautiful smile
Which scenario would you prefer?
4. Early Detection Prevents Treatment Interruptions
During your regular cleaning appointments at our SE Calgary dental clinic, we don’t just clean your teeth—we examine them for early signs of problems:
- Cavities forming around brackets
- Gum recession or inflammation
- Enamel demineralization (early white spots)
- Broken brackets or wires
- Oral hygiene issues that need addressing
Catching these issues early means:
- Small problems stay small and inexpensive
- Your orthodontic treatment stays on schedule
- You avoid emergency dental visits
- You finish treatment with truly healthy, beautiful teeth
Discovering a cavity after your braces come off means you immediately need dental work, delaying the reveal of your new smile. Finding it during treatment means we can address it without disrupting your orthodontic progress.
Special Considerations for Invisalign and Clear Aligner Patients
“But I Have Invisalign—I Can Remove My Aligners to Brush!”
Yes, removable aligners make oral hygiene easier than traditional braces, but you still need professional cleanings every 6 months. Here’s why:
Invisalign traps bacteria against teeth: You wear your aligners 20-22 hours per day. If you eat or drink anything other than water without removing them, you’re trapping sugar and bacteria against your teeth all day. Even with excellent brushing, professional cleaning is essential.
Attachments need professional cleaning: Most Invisalign treatments use small tooth-colored “attachments” or “buttons” bonded to your teeth. These create additional surfaces that collect plaque and require professional cleaning.
Compliance issues: Many Invisalign patients admit they sometimes skip brushing after snacks or drinks. Professional cleanings every 6 months catch problems before they become serious.
Aligner wear patterns affect oral health: Wearing aligners can sometimes cause dry mouth, which increases cavity risk. Professional fluoride treatments during cleanings help protect your enamel.
Do Clear Aligner Patients Need More Frequent Cleanings?
Most Invisalign patients can maintain the standard 6-month cleaning schedule. However, some patients benefit from cleanings every 3-4 months if they:
- Have a history of cavities or gum disease
- Struggle with keeping aligners clean
- Notice bleeding gums or bad breath
- Are undergoing extended treatment (18+ months)
Your Calgary dentist at Toothcrew Family Dental will recommend a cleaning schedule based on your individual needs.
How Often Should You Get Dental Cleanings During Orthodontic Treatment?
Traditional Braces:
Minimum: Every 6 months (standard for most patients)
Recommended for many: Every 3-4 months if you:
- Are a teenager (higher cavity risk)
- Have a history of cavities or gum disease
- Experience bleeding gums or swelling
- Have difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene
- Are undergoing treatment longer than 18 months
Invisalign/Clear Aligners:
Standard: Every 6 months for most adult patients
Every 3-4 months if you have risk factors mentioned above
Your orthodontist and general dentist should communicate about your treatment. At Toothcrew Family Dental, we work closely with orthodontists throughout SE Calgary to ensure coordinated care during your treatment.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning With Braces?
Many patients worry that cleanings with braces will be painful or damaging to their orthodontic hardware. Rest assured—at Toothcrew Family Dental, our hygienists are experts at cleaning around braces.
The Process:
1. Examination: We check for cavities, gum health, and any issues around brackets or bands.
2. Scaling: Using specialized instruments designed for orthodontic patients, we carefully remove plaque and tartar from around brackets, under wires, and along the gum line.
3. Polishing: We polish your teeth to remove surface stains (braces can trap staining foods).
4. Fluoride Treatment: Extra fluoride strengthens enamel around brackets, preventing white spot lesions.
5. Oral Hygiene Education: We show you problem areas and demonstrate better brushing and flossing techniques specific to braces.
6. Professional Feedback: We’ll tell you honestly how you’re doing with home care and what needs improvement.
Time required: Cleanings with braces typically take 45-60 minutes (slightly longer than without braces, but worth every minute).
Does it hurt? No more than a regular cleaning. Our gentle hygienists know exactly how to work around your braces comfortably.
Home Care Tips While Wearing Braces or Invisalign
Professional cleanings are essential, but home care is equally important. Here’s what you should do every day:
For Traditional Braces:
Brush after every meal (minimum 3 times daily):
- Use a soft-bristled or orthodontic toothbrush
- Angle bristles above and below brackets
- Brush each tooth individually for 10 seconds
- Don’t forget to brush your gums and tongue
- Total brushing time: 3-4 minutes
Floss daily:
- Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss
- Thread floss under the wire between each tooth
- Gently move floss up and down along tooth and under gum line
- Yes, this takes 10-15 minutes—but it’s worth it
Use an interdental brush:
- Small tree-shaped brushes clean around brackets and under wires
- Use once daily, especially before bed
Rinse with fluoride mouthwash:
- Helps prevent white spot lesions
- Rinse for 30 seconds after brushing
Consider a water flosser:
- Not a replacement for traditional floss, but a helpful addition
- Great for dislodging food particles around brackets
For Invisalign/Clear Aligners:
Remove aligners to eat or drink anything except water
Brush and floss after every meal before reinserting aligners:
- Never put aligners back in over unbrushed teeth
- Even a quick brush is better than nothing
Clean your aligners twice daily:
- Use a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap
- Never use toothpaste (it’s too abrasive and will scratch aligners)
- Rinse thoroughly before wearing
Soak aligners once daily:
- Use Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner
- Prevents buildup and keeps aligners clear
Brush your attachments carefully:
- Pay extra attention to tooth-colored buttons
- They collect plaque just like brackets
Red Flags: When to Call Your Calgary Dentist Immediately
Between regular cleaning appointments, watch for these warning signs that need immediate attention:
🚨 White spots appearing around brackets (early decay)
🚨 Swollen, puffy, or bleeding gums (gingivitis)
🚨 Persistent bad breath despite good hygiene (infection or trapped food)
🚨 Tooth sensitivity or pain (possible cavity)
🚨 Loose bracket or wire (can trap more food and bacteria)
🚨 Difficulty eating or extreme discomfort cleaning (may need adjustment)
Don’t wait for your next scheduled cleaning if you notice these issues. Call Toothcrew Family Dental at (587) 358-3333 for a same-day appointment. Early intervention prevents small problems from becoming major setbacks in your orthodontic treatment.
The Cost of Skipping Cleanings vs. Maintaining Them
Let’s look at real numbers for SE Calgary patients:
Scenario 1: Patient Skips Cleanings During 18-Month Braces Treatment
- Braces cost: $6,000
- Dental cleanings during treatment: $0 (skipped 3 appointments)
- Develops 2 cavities and white spot lesions: $800 in fillings + potential cosmetic work
- Mild gum disease requiring deep cleaning: $600
- Total: $7,400+ and compromised results
Scenario 2: Patient Maintains Regular Cleanings
- Braces cost: $6,000
- 3 dental cleanings during treatment (every 6 months): $450-$600
- No cavities, no gum disease, no white spots
- Total: $6,450-$6,600 and perfect results
The difference: Spending $450-$600 on preventive care saves you $750+ in treatment costs while ensuring your new smile is truly healthy and beautiful.
At Toothcrew Family Dental, we follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, so our cleaning prices are transparent and fair. Many insurance plans cover 2 cleanings per year at 80-100%.
Why Choose Toothcrew Family Dental for Cleanings During Orthodontic Treatment?
✅ Experienced With Orthodontic Patients
Our dental hygienists clean dozens of patients with braces and Invisalign every month. We know exactly how to work around your orthodontic hardware safely and effectively.
✅ Gentle, Thorough Care
We understand that braces can make your teeth and gums more sensitive. We use gentle techniques to ensure your comfort while providing thorough cleaning.
✅ Coordinated Care With Your Orthodontist
We communicate with orthodontists throughout SE Calgary to ensure your dental health supports your orthodontic treatment goals.
✅ Alberta Dental Fee Guide Pricing
Transparent, standardized pricing with no surprise fees. Most insurance covers cleanings at 80-100%.
✅ Direct Insurance Billing
We handle billing directly to make the process seamless for you.
✅ Flexible Scheduling
We offer evening (Thursday until 7pm) and Saturday appointments (9am-3pm) to work around your busy schedule and orthodontic appointments.
✅ Comprehensive Exam During Each Cleaning
We don’t just clean—we examine for cavities, gum disease, and any issues that could interfere with your orthodontic treatment.
✅ Convenient SE Calgary Location
Easily accessible from Douglasdale, McKenzie Towne, Mahogany, Auburn Bay, Cranston, and surrounding communities.
Don’t Let Poor Hygiene Ruin Your Orthodontic Investment
You’re working hard to achieve a straight, beautiful smile. Don’t let preventable dental problems during treatment undermine your results. Regular professional cleanings are a small investment that protects your much larger investment in orthodontics.
📞 Book your cleaning at Toothcrew Family Dental today: (587) 358-3333
📍 Visit us at:
Toothcrew Family Dental
11420 27 St SE #304, Calgary, AB T2Z 3R6
🌐 Book online:
toothcrewdental.ca/book-an-appointment
Currently undergoing orthodontic treatment? We’re here to help you maintain optimal oral health throughout your journey to a straighter smile.
✅ Expert cleaning around braces and Invisalign
✅ Alberta Dental Fee Guide pricing
✅ Direct insurance billing
✅ Evening & Saturday appointments
✅ Same-day emergency care
✅ Coordination with your orthodontist
Don’t risk cavities, gum disease, or white spots while straightening your teeth. Keep your regular cleaning appointments at Toothcrew Family Dental and finish your orthodontic treatment with teeth that are straight AND healthy.
Your future smile is counting on it.