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 El Cajon clinic to learn more about how to properly take care of your teeth after teeth-straightening treatments.
Request an appointment here: https://sunvalleydentalcare.com or call Sun Valley Dental Care at (619) 413-1121 for an appointment in our El Cajon office.
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