Why You Should See Your Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment

Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward achieving a beautifully aligned smile, but many patients mistakenly believe that once their braces or aligners are in place, regular dental visits can be put on hold. However, continuing to see your dentist throughout the course of your orthodontic journey is essential to maintaining your overall oral health. At Crabapple Dental in Alpharetta, Dr. Sarah Roberts and her team emphasize the importance of dental care during orthodontic treatment to ensure your smile stays healthy while undergoing alignment.

Here’s why regular dental checkups are just as important as your orthodontic adjustments.

1. Prevent Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

Wearing braces or clear aligners can make it more challenging to clean your teeth effectively. Food particles and plaque can easily get trapped around brackets, wires, or aligners, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, about 50% of adults experience some form of gum disease, and poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can elevate this risk.

During orthodontic treatment, routine dental cleanings and exams help remove plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas and prevent cavities and gum disease. Dr. Sarah Roberts will ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy, even while wearing braces or aligners.

2. Monitor Overall Oral Health

Your orthodontist focuses on aligning your teeth and correcting your bite, but your general dentist will continue to monitor your overall oral health. Conditions like tooth decay, enamel erosion, and gum inflammation can develop quickly without proper care. Regular visits to your dentist during orthodontic treatment ensure that any emerging issues are caught early and addressed promptly.

Dr. Sarah Roberts will conduct comprehensive exams to check for signs of decay, infection, and other dental concerns that may arise during your orthodontic treatment.

3. Ensure Braces Aren’t Causing Damage

While orthodontic appliances are designed to improve your bite and alignment, they can sometimes cause issues if they aren’t monitored properly. For example, if you have braces, the brackets and wires may irritate the soft tissues of your mouth, leading to sores or even minor injuries. Your dentist can help you manage these issues by recommending soothing treatments or adjusting your oral care routine.

For patients using aligners like Invisalign, regular dental visits allow your dentist to check for any unintended side effects such as changes in tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.

4. Orthodontic Appliances Can’t Replace Regular Dental Care

Your orthodontist plays an essential role in aligning your smile, but they don’t replace the need for regular dental care. Braces and aligners alone won’t protect your teeth from cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues that can arise during treatment. That’s why continuing with bi-annual dental cleanings and checkups is a key part of your treatment plan.

According to the CDC, untreated cavities affect 26% of adults, and having braces or aligners increases the potential for plaque buildup, making regular dental visits crucial for cavity prevention.

5. Keep Your Smile Bright

Orthodontic treatment is about more than just straightening your teeth—it’s about achieving a healthy, confident smile. Seeing your dentist regularly ensures that your teeth not only stay aligned but remain white, clean, and beautiful throughout your treatment.

Crabapple Dental offers professional dental cleanings that can help remove stains caused by plaque buildup around brackets or aligners, giving you a radiant smile throughout your orthodontic journey.

Why Choose Crabapple Dental in Alpharetta?

At Crabapple Dental, Dr. Sarah Roberts is committed to providing high-quality, personalized dental care for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. With extensive experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, Dr. Roberts understands the unique challenges that come with braces or aligners and is dedicated to ensuring your oral health is maintained throughout your orthodontic journey.

Dr. Roberts and her team offer comprehensive exams, professional cleanings, and expert advice to help you keep your teeth and gums in top condition during your treatment. By continuing to see your dentist, you can protect your investment in orthodontics and ensure that your smile remains healthy and bright.

Schedule Your Next Appointment at Crabapple Dental

If you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, don’t neglect your regular dental visits. Contact Crabapple Dental in Alpharetta to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarah Roberts and keep your smile healthy throughout your orthodontic journey. Whether you’re wearing braces or aligners, we’re here to support your dental health every step of the way.