Dr. Karpac and the JK Orthodontics team will always have your back during your braces or Line-M-Up™ treatment, but you’ll still need your dentist!
If you’re currently undergoing your braces or Line-M-Up™ treatment, you might be wondering whether or not you still need to see your dentist for professional cleanings every six months.
The truth is that it’s absolutely essential that you continue to see your dentist throughout your treatment journey, and below we’ll be detailing everything that you need to know about seeing your dentist while wearing braces or Line-M-Up™!
Before You Begin Braces or Line-M-Up™ Treatment
It’s important to make sure that you’re not past due for a dental cleaning before beginning your orthodontic treatment, which means you’ve been to the dentist at least once within the last six months prior to your initial consultation appointment. This is an important step to take before your treatment begins, partly because we’ll need to guarantee that your gums and teeth are healthy and ready to start your journey toward your new smile.
And it’s equally important to consistently visit your dentist every six months or so throughout your orthodontic treatment as well—regardless of what type of braces or invisible aligners you have. Your dental cleanings and orthodontic checkup appointments are both crucial as you’re in the process of developing a beautiful, healthy smile that’ll last the rest of your lifetime!
Can Dentists Thoroughly Clean Your Teeth While Wearing Braces?
Absolutely yes! Your orthodontic treatment shouldn’t pose any significant impacts on your dental health, but we all know how plaque and tartar can still bind up within the wires and brackets of braces. Many braces patients also have more difficulty flossing on a daily basis, which is why regular dental cleanings are even more important while you’re undergoing treatment.
It’s safe to say that your dental hygienist and dentist has already performed countless cleanings with braces patients in the past, so they’re definitely prepared for these types of appointments. Your dentist will also have many different specialized tools that work carefully to eliminate hardened plaque that builds up in and around your brackets. Your dental hygienist will also have plenty of experience with effectively flossing in between archwires and teeth. And in some rare scenarios, we’ll help you to temporarily remove your archwires so your dentist can get to hard-to-reach areas.
Although your dental cleanings may take a little longer while you’re wearing braces, it’s still incredibly important to receive this type of oral health attention throughout your treatment process.
Can You Still Get Dental X-Rays While Wearing Braces?
Yes, you can still get dental x-rays while wearing braces, and you should receive x-rays as regularly as your dentist advises you to do so. Although braces are often made of metal wires and brackets, they’re still safe for x-rays.
And it’s important to remember how routine x-rays are very important for detecting lingering cavities and tooth decay that isn’t necessarily apparent at first glance!
How Often Should Braces Patients Clean Their Teeth?
In an ideal world, braces patients should be brushing their teeth after every meal and/or snack in order to ensure that their braces remain free of debris throughout the course of each day. Increasing your daily brushing is the easiest (and best) way to prevent plaque buildup and ensure your most efficient treatment results.
This is why it’s such a great idea to carry an orthodontic to-go kit with you to school or work, which will include toothpaste, a travel-sized toothbrush, interdental brushes, floss, and much more.
Teeth Cleaning With Line-M-Up™
Dental cleanings are typically a lot easier with Line-M-Up™ invisible aligners. All you’ll need to do is remove your aligners when you show up for your dental appointments. Even if you have buttons or attachments with your invisible aligners, they’ll be easy to clean around.
When cleaning your teeth during Line-M-Up™ treatment at home, you’ll simply remove your aligners and floss/brush your teeth like you normally would before your treatment. So there aren’t too many oral care routine adjustments associated with Line-M-Up™; however, you’ll need to be extra diligent about cleaning your aligners throughout the course of each day and thoroughly soaking them in a cleaning solution at night!
Reach Out To Our Team When You Have Questions About Braces Or Line-M-Up™ Treatment!
JK Orthodontics is one of the top orthodontic practices in central Ohio, and this is partly because of Dr. Karpac’s decades of industry experience. Our team is here to guide you through your treatment journey as safely and as efficiently as possible, and your routine dental cleanings will always go a long way to ensure your best results.
Reach out to us online or call us at 614-766-0330 (Dublin office) or 614-471-6355 (Gahanna office) to schedule your next appointment today!