Visiting the dentist every six months is great advice for everyone . . . especially if you are wearing braces! Even though all orthodontists are dentists, and those wearing braces are being seen more frequently by their orthodontist, the need for dental visits should not be overlooked.
It’s important to think of your dentist the same way you think of your family doctor. Your dentist is needed for your overall oral health — cleanings, gum health, cavities and oral cancer screenings are essential. As a specialist, an orthodontist diagnoses, prevents and treats dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws. We work with your dentist as a team to help ensure your oral health is closely monitored from all angles.
Because food gets stuck in crevices created by your braces, it can be more difficult to clean the teeth and area around the brackets. Trapped food can increase oral bacteria, and eventually cause tooth decay, gingivitis and even periodontal disease. Regular visits to your dentist will help ensure your teeth are properly cleaned. The cleaner your teeth are, the healthier they are, and the better they will look when your braces are removed.
The doctors of Associated Orthodontists recommend that those with braces should visit their dentist regularly — every 4 - 6 months preferred. Plus, brace-wearers should brush for two minutes at least four times per day — breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime. These frequent brushings will help your teeth, gums and mouth stay as healthy as possible during your orthodontic treatment. Additionally, flossing will help remove food particles from between the teeth in places the brush cannot access.
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