Why Should I Visit My Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Did you just get your braces on? Congratulations – you’re on your way to a healthier, straighter smile! You can expect the best results if you conduct good oral hygiene. This means, in addition to brushing and flossing every day, you should plan to visit Dr. Evanson every six months during treatment.
Why is this necessary if you’re already seeing the orthodontic specialist Dr. Evanson referred you to? Here are a few good reasons.
Have Your Teeth Cleaned
Orthodontic visits are all about checking the movement of your teeth, tightening your braces and making sure your treatment is progressing as planned. The dentist is the place to go for teeth cleanings, which are a three-step process.
First, Dr. Evanson performs tooth and root planing and scaling with a special tool to remove plaque and tartar. Then she polishes your teeth with a gritty paste to remove surface stains. Finally, Dr. Evanson flosses your teeth to remove any lingering debris.
Regular tartar and plaque removal is important for everyone, but even more so when you’re wearing braces because food and bacteria have more places to hide. If not cleaned often, plaque and tartar can form around your brackets and lead to cavities.
Get Personalized Advice
Some people are more prone to tartar and plaque buildup than others. If your teeth become noticeably stained between visits every six months, you might not be brushing and flossing as thoroughly as you need to. Dr. Evanson can give you advice if tooth staining becomes a big problem for you while wearing braces.
Receive Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is an important ingredient in toothpaste. It helps strengthen enamel and repair tiny holes in the surface of your teeth by replacing nutrients. Teeth exposed to fluoride are more resistant to acid, reducing the chance of decay.
While your teeth come in contact with fluoride every time you brush, special rinses are only available from your dentist. Humana points out that fluoride treatments are important for everyone, but especially for people wearing wire braces. Fluoride defends against bacteria that become trapped underneath the wires.
Prevent Oral Health Problems
The last thing you need while wearing braces is to develop a cavity or other problem that requires tooth extraction. This could delay or entirely foul up your treatment plan. Dr. Evanson can check for problems you might not be able to see or feel. This includes detecting cavities and early signs of tooth decay, as well as catching and treating oral health problems early so you can avoid extractions, root canals and other restorative dentistry that could throw a monkey wrench into your orthodontic treatment.
Protect Against Decalcification
This refers to the loss of calcium in your teeth, which can leave white, chalky spots behind. Decalcification is caused when plaque is allowed to linger on your teeth for months on end. Because wires and brackets complicate the plaque-removal process, it’s more common for people wearing braces to experience decalcification. The white spots most commonly appear between the gums and brackets where plaque is most difficult to remove.
Decalcification is irreversible and can lead to cavities if not treated promptly. Fortunately, the condition is preventable. Just cut back on sugary and acidic foods, brush and floss daily, and visit Dr. Evanson every six months to help prevent decalcification while your smile is being reshaped with braces.
Be sure to visit Evanson DDS every six months to enjoy these benefits – not just while you’re wearing braces, but throughout your entire life. To schedule a teeth cleaning appointment, please contact Dr. Evanson online or call our office at (720) 409-0008.
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