Do I Still Need to Visit the Dentist While I’m Wearing Braces?

When you have braces in Coatesville, you have to visit your orthodontist periodically so they can tighten the wires and make sure that your treatment is proceeding according to plan. Since you already have to visit an oral healthcare provider so often, do you really still need to see your general dentist? Yes! It’s vital that you continue to receive routine cleanings and exams throughout your orthodontic treatment.

The Importance of Dental Cleanings and Checkups

Your orthodontist in Coatesville is primarily focused on getting your teeth and orofacial structures into proper alignment. Therefore, their job is different from that of your general dentist, whose job it is to keep an eye on all aspects of your oral health.

Continuing to attend routine cleanings and checkups is vital while you have braces because some people find it challenging to maintain their oral hygiene at home while they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you haven’t quite gotten the hang of brushing and flossing around your brackets and wires, the hygienist at your dentist’s office can give you some personalized tips to help you out.

It’s also important to keep in mind that braces do not magically prevent oral health problems from occurring. Gum disease, tooth decay, and other issues are still a possibility. Regularly visiting your dentist will let you catch and fix such problems while they are still in their early stages.

What if you have Invisalign in Coatesville? Although removable aligners make it easy for you to clean your teeth at home, that doesn’t mean you have permission to neglect routine checkups and cleanings. Regardless of which type of orthodontic treatment you’re using, regular dental visits still play a pivotal role in maintaining your oral health.

What to Expect at Your Dental Cleaning

A routine dental cleaning with braces is basically the same as what you would receive without braces. However, it may take a bit longer because the hygienist will need to navigate around the brackets and wires. While some dentists prefer to remove the wires altogether for the cleaning, this isn’t necessary in most cases. If you’re using Invisalign, your cleaning will proceed in the same way as it always does.

When you’re making your appointment for your checkup and cleaning, be sure to mention that you have braces so your dentist can block off a bit more time than usual to take care of you. If your dentist and orthodontist are located in the same office, you may even be able to schedule a braces adjustment and a dental checkup on the same day so you won’t have to make multiple trips to the practice to get your teeth taken care of.

Are you using braces or Invisalign to straighten your teeth? Continue to keep up with regular dental care so your smile can stay healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Simeone, the owner of Chester County Dental Arts, is an experienced general dentist. He is proud to partner with an in-house orthodontist, Dr. Ronni Bruck, to ensure that our patients get the comprehensive, convenient care they deserve. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 610-383-1600.