Yes! Even with braces, you still need to visit the dentist. While your orthodontist focuses on straightening your teeth, your dentist helps keep them healthy by preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Skipping regular checkups can lead to plaque buildup, stains, and even tooth decay—things that could derail your treatment and leave you with less-than-stellar results when your braces come off.
So, if you’re thinking about skipping that next dental appointment, don’t. Here’s why keeping up with your routine visits is just as important as tightening those brackets.
Don’t Skip the Dentist! Why Dental Visits Are Still Important with Braces
Braces do an amazing job of moving your teeth into alignment, but they also create extra spaces where food and plaque like to hide. Even if you’re brushing and flossing religiously (which, let’s be honest, is trickier with all that hardware), it’s still easy to miss spots. That’s where your dentist comes in.
Braces Can Make It Harder to Clean Your Teeth
Wires, brackets, and rubber bands—while they’re great for straightening your smile, they also make it easier for plaque and tartar to build up. This increases the risk of cavities and gum inflammation. A professional dental cleaning with braces can remove what your toothbrush can’t reach.
Gum Health Matters, Too
When bacteria get trapped along the gumline, they can cause irritation and even lead to gingivitis. If left untreated, this can slow down your orthodontic treatment and, in severe cases, cause long-term gum problems.
Catching Issues Before They Become Big Problems
Your orthodontist checks the alignment of your teeth, but they’re not necessarily looking for cavities or gum disease. Regular dental checkups help catch small problems before they turn into big ones. This means that when your braces come off, your teeth aren’t just straight—they’re healthy, too.
How to Get Your Teeth Cleaned With Braces On
If you’re worried about how cleanings work with braces, don’t be! Your hygienist knows exactly how to work around brackets and wires.
What Happens During a Cleaning?
- Specialized tools remove plaque and tartar from around brackets.
- Extra attention is given to areas where food gets stuck.
- Fluoride treatments help protect against cavities.
Secret Dentist Tip: Using an electric toothbrush and a water flosser at home can make a huge difference between visits.
Can You Get X-Rays If You Have Braces?
Yes, and you should! X-rays help detect cavities and other dental problems that aren’t visible during an exam. Even though braces might partially block certain views, your dentist can still check for decay, infections, or bone loss.
If it’s been a while since your last set of X-rays, your next dental visit is the perfect time to get them done.
Book Your Next Dental Visit Today
Keeping up with your routine dental cleanings helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and stains, so you’ll love your results when your braces come off. Schedule your next appointment today!
