Did you know that March 6th is National Dentist Day? This is a great opportunity to show appreciation to your dentists for all that they do for your teeth and health!
When is the last time you saw your dentist for an appointment? Many orthodontic patients mistakenly believe that they don’t need to visit the dentist during their orthodontic treatment. However, even though patients visit our orthodontists for regular oral checkups, this is no substitute for a dental checkup and cleaning. Believe it or not, there are several key differences between the services provided by your dentist and your orthodontist.
Why you need to visit the dentist
Although we specialize in teeth here at Hutta & Cook Orthodontics and are licensed dentists (like all orthodontists are), we work specifically to help you straighten your smile and correct your bite. In contrast, your general dentist specializes in keeping your teeth and mouth clean and free of dental diseases.
Your dentist will conduct regular examinations for signs of tooth decay, gingivitis, and other oral health issues. If your dentist is able to catch issues early on, it’s much easier for them to treat these dental diseases. In fact, many of these common issues are reversible if caught in their early stages. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important that you maintain a biannual schedule with your dentist.
Your dentist will also perform a professional cleaning by removing any tartar buildup and polishing your teeth. These dental services are especially important when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you have brackets and wires on your teeth, food debris is more likely to get caught in your mouth, which can make practicing good oral hygiene challenging. This puts patients at an increased risk for developing tooth decay and gum disease. Even with an impeccable dental hygiene routine, you’re likely to miss a couple of spots, so it’s important to see the dentist! They can clean those hard to reach spots, preventing damage to your oral health and keeping your braces clean.
When you have orthodontic appliances, you should be visiting your dentist twice every year—just like you would at any other stage in your life. So, if you’re overdue for your next appointment, take National Dentist Day as your reminder, and schedule a dental checkup! If you need a recommendation, you can contact us here at Hutta & Cook Orthodontics.