If your dentist has informed you that you need braces for teeth straightening, you might wonder what procedures are needed before getting them. Orthodontists ensure all underlying problems and issues with your teeth, such as tooth decay or gum disease, are treated before they give you braces. One of the commonly performed pre-orthodontic treatment procedures is teeth cleaning. If you’re wondering why does the orthodontist clean your teeth before braces, then this blog is for you.
Read this blog til the end to know the answer to this question, and many others.
Do Orthodontists Clean Your Teeth Before Braces?
Orthodontists don’t need to recommend teeth cleaning for all prospective orthodontic patients. It should be noted that orthodontists typically don’t perform teeth cleaning themselves. Instead, they may refer the patient to a general dentist or a dental hygienist for professional dental cleanings. Alternatively, if a patient requires any other treatment, such as dental fillings or root canal treatment, they will be referred to an appropriate specialist. Only when all the underlying issues have been addressed will the orthodontist begin treatment with braces or clear aligners.
Can You Get Braces If You Have Poor Oral Hygiene?
According to the NHS, your orthodontist will not begin teeth alignment treatment unless you have optimal oral hygiene. This is because underlying gum disease can affect the progress of your treatment. Gum disease results in loss of healthy bone tissue and can directly affect the quality and speed of tooth alignment with braces.
Should People With Bad Dental Hygiene Receive Braces?
Orthodontists advise that people with gum disease should not get braces until the underlying issue has been treated. As mentioned earlier, gum disease can significantly prolong treatment with braces. So, if someone with gum disease wants to get braces, they should seek treatment for their periodontal issue first before they consider orthodontic treatment.
Why Is It Important To Get Rid Of Cavities Before Getting Braces?
Braces are bonded directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. As a result, they create a physical hindrance while you clean your teeth. As a result, people with braces are at a higher risk of developing problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
So, if someone already has tooth cavities and they get braces, it is very likely that the cavities will continue to grow due to difficulty in ensuring optimal teeth cleaning. Such a situation can lead to various complications, such as tooth fracture and pulp inflammation, requiring expensive and time-consuming treatment. Hence, it is good to treat all tooth cavities before starting orthodontic treatment.
Do Dentists Check For Cavities First Before Getting Braces?
Orthodontists and dentists perform a detailed clinical examination of every patient before they begin orthodontic treatment. During this examination, they will clinically examine your teeth and gums and look at X-ray images of your teeth from various angles. This is done to identify any underlying problems that may affect the speed and quality of the orthodontic treatment, including dental cavities. If your orthodontist identifies any tooth cavities, they will restore the affected teeth before bonding the orthodontic braces.
Do You Have To Get Rid Of Cavities Before Having Braces?
Yes, one must be free of all underlying dental problems before they begin their braces or clear aligners journey. This is why orthodontists perform a thorough clinical and radiographic examination of your teeth during the initial consultation. This allows them to identify developing issues and treat them. More importantly, this also helps them develop a detailed treatment plan for every patient, which is customised according to their treatment needs.
Does Everyone Need Teeth Cleaning Before Having Braces?
Not everyone needs to undergo dental cleanings before getting clear aligners or braces. Professional teeth cleaning is required only for those patients whose teeth are not plaque-free. It is also required for those who are at a higher risk of developing gum disease/ periodontal problems.
Your orthodontist will advise whether you need teeth cleaning before your braces treatment, after the clinical examination. Sometimes, teeth cleanings may also be needed during the course of orthodontic treatment.This is done to minimise the risk of white spot lesions. These are local areas of demineralisation on the teeth that appear as opaque or white spots on the teeth. Brace wearers are at a higher risk of developing white spot lesions if they don’t maintain optimal oral hygiene.
What Happens If I Don’t Get Teeth Cleaning Before Having Braces?
If you brush and floss your teeth regularly, chances are that you will have optimal oral hygiene. In such a case, you can get braces without the need for teeth cleaning. However, if someone doesn’t maintain good oral hygiene and has plaque or tartar deposits on their teeth, they will have to undergo professional teeth cleaning before the tooth alignment treatment can begin.
If you live in Middlesbrough and are thinking of getting braces for yourself or your kids, look no further! Your best option is to visit Cleveland Orthodontics in Baker Street, Middlesbrough. Our team of highly experienced and well-trained specialist orthodontists will ensure that you receive the highest quality of dental care and enjoy the best functional and aesthetic outcome of your treatment. No matter how complex your tooth alignment problem is, our orthodontists will fix it! Contact us today for a consultation, and let us take care of the rest! We look forward to serving the good people of Middlesbrough!
