[Esel Mann]

I incur great pain even with the old school tools. For some reason I am most sensitive to pointy things poking me in the teeth/gums area. To help with that I request the hygenist apply a topical numbing agent to my gums and teeth prior to cleaning. While I still feel it, it is bearable, even using the sonic water jet tool thingy.

Also, though very few actually do so, making an honest effort at proper brushing and flossing will minimize the build-up and as my dentist tells me, minimize the need for using the dreaded sonic water jet. However with the case of braces, I am sure that such is almost impossible. Another possibility to consider is while braces are present, perhaps getting a cleaning say 3 times instead of 2 times a year may ensure the build-up is manageable with the old school tools.