Orthodontic treatment, whether using traditional braces or clear aligners, corrects the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Patients must continue seeing their general dentist for routine care throughout the entire course of treatment, despite the specialized nature of the process.
The Essential Need for Continued Dental Care
The hardware used to straighten teeth, such as brackets, wires, or aligner trays, creates small spaces where food particles and plaque easily become trapped. This significantly raises the risk of developing dental issues that the orthodontist is not equipped to manage. Trapped bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel, making the teeth highly susceptible to decay and the formation of cavities. If plaque is not removed completely, it can quickly lead to gingivitis, which can progress to more serious periodontal disease. Regular professional cleaning by the general dentist is the only way to remove hardened plaque, or tartar, and mitigate these risks.
Defining the Roles of the Orthodontist and General Dentist
A general dentist functions as the primary care provider for overall oral health, focusing on a comprehensive range of issues. Their scope includes preventative care, such as cleanings and fluoride treatments, and restorative procedures like fillings and crowns. They diagnose and treat all non-alignment-related conditions, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral pathology issues. In contrast, an orthodontist is a specialist who has completed additional advanced training beyond dental school. Their expertise is strictly limited to the diagnosis and correction of malocclusions (irregularities in the bite and alignment of the teeth and jaw).
Maintaining Oral Hygiene During Treatment
Maintaining effective daily oral hygiene is much more challenging when wearing braces or aligners, requiring a more diligent and adapted routine. Patients with fixed appliances should brush after every meal to remove food debris from around the brackets and wires. A soft-bristled toothbrush angled above and below the brackets helps clean the tooth surface and the appliance simultaneously. Flossing requires specialized tools, such as floss threaders or pre-cut orthodontic floss, to navigate the wires and clean between each tooth effectively. Aligner wearers must remove trays before eating or drinking anything other than water, and both the teeth and the trays must be cleaned before reinsertion.
Scheduling and Coordination of Care
Due to the heightened risk of plaque and tartar buildup, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment typically need to increase the frequency of their professional cleanings. While the standard recommendation is usually every six months, patients with braces or aligners are often advised to visit their general dentist every three to four months. The specific frequency depends on the individual’s oral hygiene habits and susceptibility to gum inflammation or decay. This dual-care approach requires coordination between the two providers to ensure treatment progresses smoothly. The general dentist and the orthodontist may need to share X-rays or communicate about the patient’s oral health status before an adjustment appointment. Maintaining this consistent, coordinated schedule protects the patient’s dental health and helps ensure the orthodontic treatment is completed successfully and on time.