Dental Cleanings: Essential During Orthodontic Treatment
Clean Teeth, Better Orthodontic Results
When you start your journey to a straighter, healthier smile with us at My Orthodontist, maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes more important than ever. While we focus on aligning your teeth and perfecting your bite, regular dental cleanings play a crucial role in ensuring your orthodontic treatment stays on track. Let’s explore why these routine visits to your general dentist are absolutely essential while you’re working with your orthodontist in Lawrenceville.
Why Dental Cleanings Matter More During Treatment
Braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances create additional spaces where food particles and plaque can hide. Even with diligent brushing and flossing at home, it’s challenging to remove all the buildup that accumulates around brackets, wires, and bands. That’s where professional dental cleanings become invaluable.
During orthodontic treatment, your teeth are gradually shifting into their ideal positions. This movement can create temporary gaps and tight spaces that are difficult to clean effectively on your own. Without regular professional cleanings, plaque and tartar can accumulate, leading to problems that could compromise both your oral health and the success of your treatment with your orthodontist in Lawrenceville.
The Risks of Skipping Dental Cleanings
We’ve seen firsthand what can happen when patients neglect their routine dental cleanings during orthodontic treatment. Cavities can develop around brackets, making it necessary to remove the appliance temporarily for fillings. This interruption can extend your treatment time significantly.
Gum disease is another serious concern. The inflammation and infection associated with gingivitis and periodontitis can cause your gums to recede and your bone structure to weaken. Since orthodontic treatment relies on healthy gums and bone to support tooth movement, any compromise to these structures can derail your progress.
White spot lesions, those chalky marks that appear on teeth around brackets, are also a common consequence of inadequate oral hygiene. These permanent stains are caused by decalcification and can leave lasting reminders of your orthodontic treatment long after your braces come off.
How Often Should You Get Dental Cleanings?
We recommend that most of our patients schedule dental cleanings every six months, just as they would without braces or aligners. However, some patients may benefit from more frequent visits, especially if they have a history of cavities or gum disease, or if they’re finding it particularly challenging to keep their appliances clean.
Your general dentist and your orthodontist in Lawrenceville work as a team to monitor your oral health throughout your treatment. We communicate regularly to ensure any potential issues are caught early and addressed promptly.
What to Expect at Your Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings during orthodontic treatment are similar to standard cleanings but require extra attention to detail. Your dental hygienist will carefully clean around your brackets and wires, removing plaque and tartar from all those hard-to-reach spots. They’ll also check for any signs of decay or gum inflammation and provide guidance on improving your home care routine.
These appointments are also an excellent opportunity to receive fluoride treatments, which strengthen your enamel and provide extra protection against cavities. Many orthodontic patients benefit from prescription-strength fluoride products to use at home as well.
Partnering With Your Dental Team
At My Orthodontist, we believe that successful orthodontic treatment requires a collaborative approach. While we’re experts in moving your teeth into their proper positions, your general dentist is your partner in maintaining the health of those teeth throughout the process.
We encourage all our patients to maintain their regular dental cleaning schedule and to never hesitate to contact either our office or their dentist if they notice any issues like persistent bleeding, pain, or signs of decay. The sooner we address any problems, the easier they are to resolve without impacting your treatment timeline.
Keep Your Smile Healthy While It Transforms
Your orthodontic treatment is an investment in your future smile and overall oral health. Protecting that investment means staying committed to regular dental cleanings throughout the entire process. These appointments aren’t just routine maintenance; they’re an essential component of achieving the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.
Ready to Start Your Orthodontic Journey?
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment or you’re already one of our patients, contact your orthodontist in Lawrenceville today. We’ll work with you and your dental team to create a comprehensive care plan that keeps your smile healthy, bright, and on track to perfection. Schedule your consultation with us at My Orthodontist and take the first step toward the confident smile you’ve always wanted.