Along with your dentist and hygienist, we act as your personal cheer squad when it comes to your oral health and creating the smile of your dreams. However, while we can do most of the heavy lifting, we still need your help to achieve the best possible results. Although you’ll be meeting with the friendly Ethos Orthodontics team regularly, your dentist is still your primary oral care provider. You must maintain your regular dental checkups and cleanings when getting braces.
What happens in a dental checkup?
If you haven’t had a dental checkup before, during your first appointment, your dentist will ask you about your personal and family dental history. They will also run you through what the checkup involves, and may take an x-ray of your teeth and any area that is not easily viewed in your mouth.
A regular checkup is separated into two parts:
- The examination
- Professional teeth cleaning
During the examination, your dentist will be checking for any evidence of decay or weakness in your tooth enamel. Each tooth is individually checked to make sure nothing is missed. They will also examine your gums for any signs of early gum disease and check your soft tissue (tongue and cheeks).
After the examination, your dentist will professionally clean your teeth. They will use a gritty paste that focuses on removing any surface stains. Hardened plaque cannot be removed at home (no matter how well you clean your teeth); therefore, a dental checkup and clean is necessary every six to 12 months.
How often should I be getting a dental checkup?
Most commonly, people need to see the dentist every six months; this is so your dentist can keep a close eye on your oral health. If any issues pop up, they can attend to them immediately. When receiving orthodontic treatment (such as braces), we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every four months.
Why are dental checkups important when you have braces?
When you have traditional braces (clarity and victory braces), you run the risk of contracting cavities. This is because patients (especially younger children) find it more difficult to clean their teeth while undergoing treatment, especially between the teeth and around the brackets and wires.
The benefits from regular dental checkups
Visiting your dentist and oral hygienist regularly provides several short and long-term oral health benefits, including:
- Preventing potential dental problems early,
- Keep your smile clean and beautiful,
- Saves you money in the long run (early treatments are often more affordable and less serious than treating dental diseases), and
- Protecting your overall oral health.
Trust your dream team
At Ethos Orthodontics, our job is to correct your bite and create your perfect smile. However, your dentist and oral hygienist are essential during orthodontic treatment to check and help to improve the health of your teeth and gums, and remedy any cavities (if they pop up). Sticking to your regular dental visits and cleans can help prevent and treat any oral health issues that may arise during your treatment.
Trusting and listening to your dream team (us, your dentist and hygienist!), mean that once your braces are removed, you’ll have a beautiful, straight smile that is also super healthy and clean! If you have any questions or want to start your journey to your perfect smile, speak to the friendly Ethos Orthodontics team today.
