Tooth cleaning for braces and implants

Thorough dental cleaning is particularly important for people with braces or implants, as these pose special challenges when it comes to oral hygiene. The complex structures of braces and implants provide ideal conditions for bacteria to colonize.

Without targeted cleaning, plaque and food debris can reach hard-to-reach areas and lead to inflammation or damage in the long term.

In this article, we provide comprehensive information on effective cleaning techniques and tools specifically designed for patients with braces and implants.

Brief overview of braces and implants

Braces and implants are widely used dental solutions that are used to correct misaligned teeth and replace missing teeth. Braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets that are connected with wire arches, while implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone and serve as a base for dentures.

Different requirements for oral care

Implants and braces require special care as they create hard-to-reach areas where plaque and food debris can easily accumulate. Thorough cleaning is therefore essential to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Toothbrushing techniques

Manual vs. electric toothbrushes

Both manual and electric toothbrushes are suitable for patients with braces and implants. However, electric toothbrushes often offer more thorough cleaning due to their oscillating or rotating movements.

Special brushes for braces and implants

Single-tufted brushes and toothbrushes with special bristle shapes are ideal for cleaning the hard-to-reach areas around brackets and implants.

Brushing in tufts:

Single-tuft brushes, also known as solo brushes, have a small head with a concentrated collection of bristles. This shape enables precise cleaning, especially along the gum line and directly around brackets or implant screws. They are ideal for cleaning specific areas without neglecting neighboring areas.

Toothbrushes with special bristle shapes:

Toothbrushes that have been specially developed for braces often have a V-shaped bristle cut. This shape adapts to the wires and brackets and ensures that both the tooth surface and the areas around the braces are thoroughly cleaned. For implants, brushes with extra-soft bristles are recommended to protect the sensitive tissue structures around the implants and ensure gentle cleaning.

Dental floss and interdental brushes

Correct application and selection

The use of dental floss is challenging but helpful for patients with braces. Special floss with rigid ends makes it easier to thread under the archwires. Interdental brushes are particularly useful for cleaning the spaces between the teeth that are difficult for normal toothbrushes to reach.

Water fins and their advantages

Water flossers are a complement to traditional dental floss, as they can remove plaque and food debris with a targeted jet of water.

Mouthwashes

Antibacterial rinses

Antibacterial mouthwashes help to reduce bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of inflammation and infection.

Selection and use of toothbrushes

Interdental cleaning

Floss holder and interdental brushes

Floss holders facilitate the handling of dental floss and ensure thorough cleaning of the interdental spaces. Interdental brushes are available in different sizes and can be adapted to individual needs.

Tooth sticks and their effectiveness

Dental sticks are a simple and effective method of removing food debris and plaque from between the teeth. They are particularly useful for patients with braces and implants.

Special cleaning equipment

Mouthwashers/water flossers

Oral irrigators and water flossers are excellent tools to supplement daily dental care. They use a targeted jet of water to remove plaque and food debris and massage the gums.

Ultrasonic cleaning devices

Ultrasonic cleaning devices are another method of cleaning teeth. They use high-frequency sound waves to remove plaque and bacteria and improve oral hygiene.

Frequency of cleaning

Daily care recommendations

Thorough dental care should be carried out twice a day on average, supplemented by the use of dental floss or interdental brushes.

Professional tooth cleaning and its importance

Professional teeth cleaning is an essential part of oral care, especially for patients with braces and implants. During a professional dental cleaning at our dental practice in Kiel, hard and soft plaque is thoroughly removed and the teeth are polished and fluoridated. This significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Importance of professional tooth cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning offers numerous advantages:

• Thorough removal of plaque and tartar: Even with careful home care, plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. Professional cleaning effectively removes these deposits.
• Polishing the teeth: After cleaning, the teeth are polished, which not only ensures a radiant smile, but also makes it more difficult for plaque to form.
• Fluoridation: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to tooth decay.
• Early detection of problems: Professional teeth cleaning can detect and treat early signs of gum disease or other oral health problems.
• Specific advice: Your dentist or dental hygienist can give you individual tips on how to improve your dental care at home.

Tips for routine care

Practical advice for at home

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and replace it regularly. Supplement your dental care routine with interdental brushes and mouthwashes.

Support from dental specialists

Let our dentists or dental hygienists in our practice advise you on which care products and techniques are best suited to your individual needs.

Inadequate cleaning techniques

Many patients do not clean their teeth thoroughly enough, especially in hard-to-reach areas such as between teeth and around brackets or implants. To ensure that your cleaning technique is effective:

• Systematic brushing: Brush all tooth surfaces systematically.
• Correct angle: Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line.
• Gentle movements: Use small, circular movements.

Neglect of regular care

Regularity is crucial. Sporadic dental care is not enough, especially with braces or implants:

• Daily cleaning: Clean at least twice a day.
• Interdental cleaning: Use dental floss or interdental brushes daily.
• Mouthwash: Use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Lack of use of suitable aids

The right tools are crucial:

• Special toothbrushes: Soft bristles or electric toothbrushes.
• Single-tufted brushes: For cleaning around brackets and implants.
• Interdental brushes and dental floss: For the interdental spaces.
• Water flosser: Remove plaque and food residue with a jet of water.
• Mouth rinses: Antibacterial and fluoride-containing rinses.

Lack of professional tooth cleaning (PZR)

Many patients underestimate the importance of professional teeth cleaning. Professional teeth cleaning removes stubborn deposits and reaches areas that are often neglected during daily tooth brushing. Regular dental cleaning appointments are important to ensure optimal oral health and to detect potential problems at an early stage.

Proper teeth cleaning for braces and implants requires special techniques and tools to effectively remove plaque and food debris and reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. By integrating these methods into your daily dental care routine and having regular professional teeth cleaning in Kiel, you can maintain your oral health in the long term. Professional teeth cleaning offers in-depth cleaning and care that complements and optimizes your home routine.

The importance of professional teeth cleaning cannot be overemphasized. It ensures that even the most stubborn deposits are removed and provides an extra layer of protection against dental disease. By combining diligent dental care at home with regular visits to your dentist in Kiel, you can ensure the best possible care for your teeth and gums.

For patients with braces and implants, regular professional dental cleanings are particularly important to prevent specific problems such as plaque build-up around brackets or inflammation around implants. A professional dental cleaning in Kiel gives you the assurance that your oral health is in the best hands and that potential problems can be detected and treated at an early stage.

Root system Kiel

Further information can be found here:

Professional teeth cleaning

Prophylaxis

Professional teeth cleaning