Staci,
Honey and Lilly are over 3 years old and they have never had their teeth cleaned. I depend on Dr. Robinson to tell me if they need it when he gives them their annual exam, and so far, he has been very pleased. Maybe chewing on everything in sight has kept the crud off of their teeth!! LOL!!!
The cats are different. Mimi's have been cleaned twice in the past several years, but she is an old lady, and doesn't have the beautufl teeth that she once did. And I had Butter's teeth cleaned earlier this year because he had horrible breath!
I would just let your vet guide you.
Logan