Yes, tartar can be removed while you wear braces, and it is often recommended. Because brackets and wires make it easier for plaque to build up, the risk of tartar and gum inflammation increases. Cleaning is done with an ultrasonic tip and hand instruments without damaging the brackets. How often is planned together with your orthodontic check-ups. At home, using an orthodontic toothbrush, interdental brushes and dental floss is important.
Can tartar be removed while wearing braces?
Yes, tartar can be safely removed while you wear braces, and it is often recommended to protect gum health during treatment. Brackets and wires are no obstacle to cleaning.
Cleaning removes deposits from around the brackets, between the teeth and along the gum line. The brackets and wires stay in place throughout. If your orthodontist considers it necessary, they may plan to remove the wire at some check-ups for a more thorough clean.
If the gums are not kept healthy during braces treatment, gum inflammation, swelling and bleeding can develop. This can make treatment progress with more difficulty. We explain why tartar forms on our page what is tartar.
Why do braces increase the risk of tartar?
Braces increase the risk of tartar because they create new surfaces for plaque to cling to and make cleaning harder.
- Around the brackets: The edges of the bracket and the adhesive area are anchor points for plaque.
- Under the wire: A toothbrush has difficulty reaching the area behind the archwire.
- Between the teeth: Flossing takes more time and care.
- Inner surface of the lower front teeth: Fixed retainer wires bonded at the back make tartar build-up easier in this area.
If plaque is not removed for a long time, not only tartar but also white spots can form around the brackets. These spots are the first sign of mineral loss in the enamel.
How is tartar removed while wearing braces?
Tartar removal while wearing braces is done with an ultrasonic tip and fine hand instruments without damaging the brackets. The procedure usually includes these steps:
- Examination: The condition of the gums, the area around the brackets and whether there are white spots are assessed.
- Ultrasonic cleaning: Tartar is removed by vibration from around the brackets and along the gum line.
- Hand instruments: Hard-to-reach areas under the wire are cleaned with fine tips.
- Polishing: Where suitable, stains and plaque are removed from the surface with polishing or air-powder polishing.
- Fluoride: If the dentist considers it necessary, fluoride can be applied to strengthen the enamel.
Care is taken with the brackets and adhesive during cleaning. You can find the general steps of the procedure in detail on our page scale and polish.
How often should tartar be removed while wearing braces?
During braces treatment, tartar removal is often recommended more often than every 6 months, usually every 3–6 months. The exact interval depends on how fast you build up tartar and on the condition of your gums.
- If your gums are healthy and your home care is good, the interval can be longer.
- If there is gum swelling, bleeding or fast tartar build-up, more frequent check-ups may be needed.
- Cleaning appointments can be planned to fit in with your orthodontic check-ups.
If you are wondering how cleaning intervals affect your teeth, take a look at our page is tartar removal harmful? Frequent cleaning done with the right technique does not harm enamel.
How do you care for your teeth at home with braces?
The aim of home oral care with braces is to prevent plaque from building up around the brackets and under the wire. These tools help with daily care:
| Tool | What it does | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Orthodontic toothbrush | Its V-shaped bristles clean above and below the brackets | At least twice a day |
| Interdental brush | Cleans under the wire and between the brackets | Every day |
| Floss threader or orthodontic floss | Makes it easier to pass floss under the wire | Every day |
| Water flosser | Washes away food debris; does not replace dental floss | As an extra |
| Fluoride toothpaste | Strengthens enamel and reduces the risk of white spots | Every time you brush |
When brushing, angle the brush first above the bracket, then below it, and do not skip the gum line. You can use extra products such as a fluoride mouthwash if your dentist recommends them.
Are swollen and bleeding gums normal with braces?
Mild gum swelling is common during braces treatment, but constant bleeding and noticeable swelling are usually a sign of gum inflammation caused by plaque build-up.
Avoiding brushing when the gums are inflamed makes the problem worse. Continuing gentle but regular cleaning with a soft brush often reduces bleeding within a few days.
- If the gums are growing over the brackets
- If bleeding lasts longer than a week
- If there is pain, a bad smell or discharge
In these cases, contact your orthodontist or dentist. For other causes of bleeding gums, see our page bleeding gums.
Can teeth be whitened while wearing braces?
Whitening while wearing braces is not usually recommended. Because the areas under the brackets do not come into contact with the whitening gel, a colour difference may appear on the teeth after the braces come off.
Whitening is usually planned after treatment ends and the brackets are removed, after waiting for a period recommended by the dentist. Adhesive residue is cleaned off first and any white spots are assessed. For details, see our page teeth whitening after braces.
Tartar removal and polishing during treatment, on the other hand, remove surface stains and help the teeth look cleaner.
Tartar removal for people with clear aligners
Tartar removal is also done for people having clear aligner treatment; the aligners are taken out during cleaning.
Because aligners cover the teeth for many hours, the natural cleaning effect of saliva is reduced. Brushing your teeth before putting the aligners in and cleaning the aligners themselves regularly reduce both tartar and odour.
Plaque can also build up around the small composite bumps (attachments) bonded to the teeth. These areas need care when brushing. You can find information on planning clear aligner treatment and whitening together on our page clear aligners and whitening.
Frequently asked questions
Does tartar removal damage brackets?
Cleaning done carefully and with the right technique does not damage brackets. If a loose bracket is noticed, which is rare, your orthodontist is informed.
Does tartar removal hurt while wearing braces?
Most people feel only mild discomfort. If the gums are inflamed, tenderness and bleeding may be more noticeable; this varies from person to person.
Can I use an electric toothbrush with braces?
Yes, you can. It is recommended to guide it carefully around the brackets and to use it together with interdental brushes and dental floss.
Does the orthodontist do the cleaning while I wear braces?
Cleaning can be done by a dentist or an orthodontist. What matters is that cleaning and orthodontic check-ups are planned to fit together.
Will white spots remain on my teeth when the braces come off?
If plaque builds up during treatment, white spots can form around the brackets. Good oral care and fluoride reduce this risk; there are different treatment options for spots that do form.
Related pages
White Spots After BracesThe cause of white spots left on the teeth after brackets come off, what can be done in the first months and treatment options for permanent spots.
Teeth Whitening After BracesWhen and how whitening is planned after braces come off, what is checked beforehand and what does not change in the result.
Scale and Polish in Ankara: Tartar Removal in ÇankayaRemove tartar and protect your gum health with ultrasonic scaling, polishing and air polishing.
Clear Aligner Treatment and Teeth WhiteningHow whitening is planned before, during or after clear aligner treatment, and how attachments affect the result.
Bleeding Gums: Causes, When It Is Serious and What to DoFind out the most common causes of bleeding gums, what you can do at home and when you should see a dentist.Suitability is decided at an examination. Fill in the form or call us to book an appointment.
Last updated: 2026-11-04 · This page is for general information only and does not replace an examination or diagnosis.