La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Spring is almost in the air and that means spring cleaning – making it the perfect time to visit your dentist.
You may be thinking, “I see the orthodontist regularly now so why do I need to see my dentist?” Remember, your orthodontist is aligning your teeth and fine-tuning your bite. Your dentist is ensuring that your smile stays healthy enough to continue your orthodontic treatment!
If you neglect your oral health during your orthodontic treatment it can actually delay your treatment keeping you in braces or aligners longer than anticipated. Treatment for cavities and gum disease may postpone your perfect smile. Severe gum disease may even require having your braces removed until your gums are healthy enough to undergo orthodontic treatment.
Along with your orthodontist, your dentist can also aid in preventing other issues such as decalcification that can lead to white spots on your teeth. Decalcification is treatable and reversible if caught early but if left untreated it can not only lead to white spots but to cavities as well.
Regular teeth cleanings are important for everyone, especially if you’re in braces. That’s because the brackets and wires of your braces give food and bacteria more places to hide which can then lead to tartar and plaque build-up. While your regular brushing and flossing is protecting against decay and cavities, a professional cleaning offers an extra layer of protection – especially for patients who may not be as thorough or efficient at brushing around their braces.
“The goal of orthodontic treatment is to create a beautiful new smile that is also healthy,” says Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics. “But the work required is a team effort from both the orthodontist and the patient doing their part. At the end of the day if the teeth and gums aren’t healthy the treatment isn’t going to be effective. Skipping you regular dental check-ups can throw a wrench into the entire treatment plan.”
When in orthodontic treatment your dentist and orthodontist want to team with you to ensure your smile is as healthy and beautiful as possible. If it has been longer than six months since your last check-up, schedule your spring cleaning with your dentist today!
If you have any questions, please call us at 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).