Healthy teeth throughout your entire treatment.
Professional scaling and cleaning removes plaque and calculus build-up that accumulates around brackets and wires — protecting your teeth and gums at every stage of orthodontic treatment.
Braces make oral hygiene harder — not easier.
Orthodontic appliances create nooks and surfaces that accumulate plaque far more readily than natural teeth alone. Brackets, wires, and elastics all provide additional areas where bacteria can establish. Even a thorough home routine — brushing after every meal, flossing daily, using an interdental brush — leaves some areas that are simply beyond reach.
When plaque is not removed consistently, it hardens into calculus (tartar) that cannot be brushed away. Over time, calculus build-up around the gumline contributes to gingivitis and, if untreated, can progress to more significant gum concerns. There is also the risk of white spot lesions — areas of enamel demineralisation visible as chalky marks around bracket bases — which are a cosmetic and structural concern.
Professional scaling removes hardened deposits that home care cannot reach. For patients at our Claremont practice, a clean every six months during treatment is a straightforward way to protect the investment you are making in your smile.
What a professional clean involves.
Assessment and charting
Dr Kylie Lewis will examine your gums for any signs of inflammation, pocketing, or early gum disease. This gives us a baseline to track against and identifies any areas needing attention before scaling begins.
Ultrasonic and hand scaling
Calculus deposits are removed from above and below the gumline using a combination of ultrasonic and hand instruments specifically suited to working around orthodontic appliances. The process is thorough but gentle on bracket bases and enamel.
Polishing
Tooth surfaces are polished to remove soft staining and leave a smooth surface less prone to future plaque adhesion. Polishing paste is chosen to be safe around ceramic and metal brackets alike.
Home care review
We'll review your home hygiene routine and offer practical tips specific to your appliance type. Small adjustments — a different brush angle, a new interdental tool, or a fluoride rinse — can make a meaningful difference between appointments.
Experienced care from Dr Kylie Lewis.
Scaling and cleaning at our Claremont clinic is provided by Dr Kylie Lewis, who brings over 10 years of orthodontic therapy experience to every appointment. Dr Lewis has extensive experience working around all types of orthodontic appliances and understands the specific oral hygiene challenges that arise during treatment.
Patients visiting from Subiaco, Swanbourne, Mosman Park, Shenton Park, and across Perth's western suburbs are welcome to combine a hygiene appointment with their routine orthodontic check-up where scheduling allows.
During active treatment. More frequently for patients with gum concerns, as advised.
Includes assessment, scaling, polishing, and home care review.
Metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. Safe around all bracket types.
Frequently asked questions about scaling and cleaning.
Why is professional cleaning important when you have braces?
Braces create additional surfaces where plaque can accumulate — around brackets, under wires, and between teeth. Even diligent brushing and flossing leaves areas that are difficult to reach at home. Professional scaling removes hardened deposits that a toothbrush cannot shift, helping to keep gums healthy and reducing the risk of white spot lesions on the enamel.
How often should I have a clean while in orthodontic treatment?
For most patients, a professional clean every six months is appropriate during orthodontic treatment. Some patients with a history of gum concerns or heavier plaque build-up may benefit from more frequent appointments. Dr Kylie Lewis can advise on an appropriate schedule at your Claremont consultation.
Can I just go to my regular dentist for cleaning while I have braces?
Yes, your regular dentist can provide routine cleans during orthodontic treatment and we encourage you to maintain that relationship. Our in-house cleaning service is a convenient option, particularly if you prefer to have everything coordinated at our Claremont clinic on Stirling Highway. We'll always communicate with your dentist to ensure care is aligned.
Will cleaning damage my brackets or wires?
No. Professional cleaning during orthodontic treatment is performed with instruments appropriate for use around brackets and wires. Our team at the Claremont practice has experience working around all types of orthodontic appliances safely. The procedure will not interfere with your treatment progress.
What are white spot lesions and how does cleaning help prevent them?
White spot lesions are areas of enamel demineralisation that can form around brackets when plaque is not adequately removed. They appear as chalky white marks on the tooth surface. Regular professional cleaning, combined with good home care and fluoride, helps minimise the build-up that causes them. Preventing white spots is one of the key reasons we emphasise oral hygiene throughout orthodontic treatment in Perth.
Keep your gums healthy throughout treatment.
Book a professional clean at our Claremont clinic, or ask about combining it with your next orthodontic appointment.