Ottawa-Gatineau Orthodontists Alliance
Posted by Certified Smiles Editor, 2018-07-19
Here’s a common scenario. You or your child recently had braces put on by your Certified Orthodontist. As a result, you’re unsure if you should continue seeing your General Dentist, given that you have appointments scheduled with your Certified Orthodontist every other month.
In scenarios like this one, people often ask us if they should still see their dentist during their orthodontic treatment. Our answer always – is yes, absolutely yes!
There are several reasons why it’s important to maintain regular appointments with your general dentist in addition to your appointments with your Certified Orthodontist.
One of the main reasons to visit your dentist during your orthodontic treatment is to clean away plaque and tartar. Food and bacteria may get caught around the braces and wires. If not removed, plaque and tartar will develop around your braces or other appliances which may lead to cavities. A professional dental cleaning is the only way to eliminate plaque and tartar once it has formed.
Even if you are using clear aligners such as Invisalign during your orthodontic treatments, regular dental exams and cleanings remain important to your oral health.
Another solid reason to see your dentist is to protect your teeth from the loss of calcium. Loss of calcium is known as decalcification. Decalcification is an irreversible and potentially serious situation in which white spots appear on your teeth.
If left untreated decalcification can also lead to cavities. The good news is that decalcification is completely avoidable if you have good oral hygiene, a diet low in sugary or acidic foods, and you see your general dentist on a regular basis.
Our last but certainly not least reason for seeing your dentist while you are in braces is to prevent cavities and gum disease. Developing cavities or gum disease can extend your orthodontic treatment. Why have that occur when you can avoid it?
Your dentist may recommend fluoride or other dental procedures to strengthen your teeth and ensure optimal gum health. If you want to finish your orthodontic treatment without delays, you should visit your dentist every 6 months or as often as recommended to help ensure your braces are removed in the estimated time frame.
Visits to your general dentist will also help guarantee your teeth will look their finest once the braces are removed by your Certified Orthodontist!
Ready to talk to an Orthodontist about getting the smile you’ve always wished for? Visit our directory of Orthodontists in Ottawa-Gatineau today.
