Straightening your teeth with orthodontics improves how they look, particularly if your teeth are healthy after treatment. However, orthodontic appliances like braces tend to get in the way of cleaning teeth, and their components can serve as havens for food particles and oral bacteria that convert them into acids.
Clear aligners can also increase the wearer’s risk of tooth decay. These transparent plastic trays fit tightly over teeth and prevent saliva from washing away acids and food particles like it normally does. A person who has just completed treatment with orthodontics can have straightened teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. The decay can lead to teeth structures breaking down and to teeth becoming discolored.
People who straighten their teeth with clear aligners are less likely to deal with tooth decay if they always clean their teeth before putting in their aligners. Things are a bit more complicated for people who wear braces. Regardless of how well they take care of their teeth during treatment, there might be decay that has built up underneath the brackets of the braces, and the device might leave stains on teeth.
Dentists typically recommend teeth cleanings following treatment with orthodontic appliances. Teeth cleaning removes tartar build-up on teeth and any stains on them. The procedure can drastically improve the appearance of a patient’s teeth after they have been straightened. Teeth whitening treatments can be performed if needed.
Good oral hygiene also helps protect a patient’s teeth and gums after teeth-straightening treatments. Dentists recommend the following.
These products help mineralize teeth and provide a higher level of cleanliness than regular toothpaste. Brushing after every meal is ideal, especially if teeth have already been weakened by tooth decay.
Flossing teeth cleans interdental spaces. Flossing becomes even more important when teeth have already been weakened by decay during treatment with orthodontic appliances.
Mouthwash cleans all the areas in the mouth missed by brushing and flossing. A therapeutic mouthwash prescribed by a dentist kills oral bacteria, protecting teeth and gums from decay and gum disease, respectively.
A dentist has many tools at their disposal that can help protect teeth against decay, like dental sealants and fluoride treatments. A dentist can also provide any appropriate treatments for teeth that have been damaged by decay or infected gums. Treatments for decayed teeth include fillings, composite bonding, and dental crowns.
Good oral hygiene can help you avoid having to deal with tooth decay and gum disease due to your treatment with orthodontic devices. It can keep your teeth looking their best after your treatment. Call us or stop by our Nashua clinic to learn more about how to properly take care of your teeth after teeth-straightening treatments.
Request an appointment here: https://landmarkdentalnashua.com or call Landmark Dental Care at (603) 882-7312 for an appointment in our Nashua office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics in Nashua, NH.
As a general rule, you should visit a general dentist every four to six months for check-ups and cleaning visits. You may need more frequent visits (or additional visits) if there are specific oral health concerns to address (i.e., dental trauma, cavities, etc.). This review discusses how frequently you should visit a general dentist and…
Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone considers is the fact that the dentist is the one that handles most of our oral health issues. How is it that one dentist is responsible for treating and diagnosing so many of our problems without the help of specialists…
Finding the right family dentist now is a good step to take for your family. That way if you or another family member have a dental problem that requires immediate care, you will be prepared and will not waste time looking. It can seem overwhelming to decide on a dentist with so many choices available…
Wondering what a general dentist suggests for a damaged tooth? Read on to learn more. Damage to teeth can result from decay, accidents, medications, and various health conditions. Repairing a tooth is crucial for maintaining good oral and overall health.When a patient visits the dental office for a damaged tooth, their general dentist will evaluate…
As a general rule, you should visit a general dentist every four to six months for check-ups and cleaning visits. You may need more frequent visits (or additional visits) if there are specific oral health concerns to address (i.e., dental trauma, cavities, etc.). This review discusses how frequently you should visit a general dentist and…
Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone considers is the fact that the dentist is the one that handles most of our oral health issues. How is it that one dentist is responsible for treating and diagnosing so many of our problems without the help of specialists…