Achieving a beautiful smile involves more than visiting Dietrich Orthodontics to straighten your teeth and jaw. You must take good care of your teeth and gums! Fortunately, keeping them healthy and in top shape is easy and doesn’t require extra visits to the gym. All you need to do is brush, floss, drink water, eat a healthy diet, and…visit the dentist! “How do regular dental check-ups benefit your orthodontic treatment?” you ask. Find the answer below!
Orthodontist vs Dentist
Dentists and orthodontists are both incredibly important MVPs on your oral healthcare team. Still, they cannot replace each other since they play different positions.
But what does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontist, like our very own Dr. Dietrich, specializes in malocclusion, which is the improper alignment of teeth and jaw. For example, if you’re dealing with crowded teeth, gaps, or an uneven bite, an orthodontist is the expert who designs, executes, and monitors your treatment plan to gradually move your teeth and jaw into their ideal positions. They utilize orthodontic appliances and tools like Damon™ braces, Spark™ aligners, palate expanders, and more to achieve these results.
To complete orthodontic treatment safely and accurately, orthodontists undergo additional years of specialized training after dental school, focusing specifically on the mechanics of tooth movement and facial growth. Their primary goal is to give you a functional, beautiful smile that boosts your confidence, as well as your oral, physical, and mental health.
What is a dentist?
Now, on the other hand, a dentist is your go-to professional for overall oral health. They’ve completed dental school and handle everything from routine cleanings and exams to filling cavities, treating gum disease, and performing preventive care. If you need specialty care that they are not equipped or licensed to treat, they will send you to a specialist like a periodontist or an orthodontist.
It’s important to note that some dentists may offer orthodontic services. However, because they don’t have the same training or as many treatment options as an orthodontist, they cannot treat or diagnose as many types of cases. We always recommend seeing an orthodontist for alignment concerns as this is the orthodontist’s specialty; it’s what the orthodontist does each and every day with every patient.
It might help to think of them in non-dental terms. Here are some symbolic examples:
- Your dentist is like your general physician, and your orthodontist is a specialist like a dermatologist.
- A dentist is like a school teacher who teaches all subjects, and an orthodontist teaches only algebra.
- A dentist is like a softball coach, and an orthodontist only coaches how to pitch.
- An dentist is mechanic who can work on and diagnose most issues, and an orthodontist is a transmission specialist or only works on German cars.
Regular Dental Check-ups Are Non-Negotiable During Orthodontic Treatment
Regular dental check-ups are essential for keeping your oral health in top shape, especially when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces and aligners can create nooks and crannies where plaque and food particles love to hide, making it harder to maintain a clean mouth.
That’s where having regular visits with your trusted dental team comes in handy.
During a checkup, a dental hygienist thoroughly cleans your teeth, removing any plaque and tartar your toothbrush, floss, and water flosser might miss, and if necessary, they’ll apply a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth. Your hygienist also meticulously documents the health of your mouth so they can keep track of developing problems, prevent concerns, and see if a treatment is working. (**Note, no flouride treatment within THREE WEEKS of the placement of braces** )
After, your dentist will come in and look for early signs of cavities, gum disease, or other issues that could complicate your orthodontic progress. The last thing you want during orthodontic treatment is cavities with braces or swollen gums that make clear aligners uncomfortable.
Regular teeth cleanings also prevent the development of decalcification or demineralization, which are fancy words for white spots on teeth caused by the breaking down of tooth enamel! This discoloration can be a real bummer when you finally get your braces off or conclude clear aligner treatment and your smile isn’t how you pictured.
By catching and addressing these problems early, dental check-ups help prevent delays in your orthodontic treatment and ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy, strong, and ready for that perfect smile you’re working toward.
How Regular Dental Visits Boost Your Orthodontic Experience
Regular dental visits not only keep your teeth and gums healthy, but they also make your orthodontic treatment more comfortable and help you stay confident throughout the process. When your mouth is in good shape, you’re less likely to experience discomfort from issues like gum inflammation or tooth decay, which can make wearing braces or aligners more challenging. These visits also keep you motivated by making sure your smile is progressing smoothly. Knowing that what you’re doing is working can be so encouraging!
Moreover, regular dental check-ups allow your orthodontic care to be adjusted if necessary. If an oral health concern arises, your dentist can collaborate with your orthodontist to tweak your treatment plan, keeping you and your smile safe.
Smile Confidently With Dietrich Orthodontics!
We’re committed to giving you a straight, beautiful smile at Dietrich Orthodontics, but we need your help to make it happen. By making a commitment to keep up with these essential dental check-ups, you can ensure you’ll have a healthy, confident smile before, during, and after orthodontic treatment.
To discover if metal braces, clear braces, or clear aligners are the extra help your smile needs, schedule a free consultation with us at our Canton or Alliance offices!