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Why Regular Dental Cleanings Matter with Braces

It is important that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a regular dental check-ups and cleaning. Your dentist is your primary oral health care provider, and they are an important partner to Blue Wave Orthodontics in the success of your orthodontic treatment. When you have braces or even Invisalign, we recommend increasing your number of dental visits annually to every four months.
Why are Regular Dental Cleanings Important with Braces?
Your risk of cavities increases when you have traditional braces. This is because it is more difficult for you to clean your own teeth, and to reach the areas between teeth and around the brackets and wires. When there is accumulation of food that remains, you will find a build-up of plaque, tartar, and an increased risk of decay. Remember, there is microscopic bacteria that live in your mouth and they will take any leftover food debris and form acids which “eat away at your enamel”! AND remember, enamel does NOT  “grow back”!
Image of a light seen above a examination chare.

Our role is to correct your smile and improve your bite! However, your dentist and their oral hygiene team are critical to checking the health of your teeth and gums, and to provide a service, fillings for example, if a cavity develops. It is really important for you to have a good relationship with a dentist,  especially to prevent AND if a problem should arise during your orthodontic treatment.

In fact, we suggest visiting a dentist prior to the application of your traditional braces; however, note that you do not need a referral from a dentist to see us for your free orthodontic consultation. We are always happy to see you, any of your family or friends without a direct referral! Those days are long one!
Resources for Living With Braces
Your overall dental health also involves you too, so we explain the proper method of cleaning and caring for your teeth at home as well, and provide details on what foods are safe to eat with traditional braces. Examples of some of the concerns can be found on our website and its blogs, such as “Foods to Avoid with Braces.”

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