When undergoing orthodontic treatment, many people wonder if regular dental check-ups are still necessary. The answer is yes, as the roles of a general dentist and an orthodontist are distinct and non-interchangeable. While the orthodontist focuses on moving teeth and aligning the bite, the dentist remains responsible for the foundational health of the mouth. Continuing routine dental care ensures that the structures supporting the moving teeth remain healthy throughout the entire process.
Defining the Separate Roles of the Dentist and Orthodontist
The primary function of the orthodontist is the diagnosis and treatment of malocclusions, which are irregularities in tooth position and jaw relationships. This specialist has undergone several years of additional postgraduate training focused on biomechanics and the controlled application of forces to shift teeth. Their practice centers entirely on managing appliances like brackets, wires, and clear aligners to achieve a corrected, functional, and aesthetic bite.
General dentists are the primary care providers for the entire spectrum of oral health. They are trained to handle restorative procedures, diagnose periodontal disease, perform simple extractions, and manage soft tissue issues. These professionals are tasked with maintaining the integrity of individual teeth and the surrounding supporting structures.
The general dentist’s comprehensive scope means they are qualified to address common problems like decay or fractured restorations during the alignment process. The orthodontist is not trained to fill a cavity or place a crown, as these procedures fall outside their specialized scope of practice. Patients require the expertise of both professionals simultaneously to ensure holistic oral wellness.
Maintaining General Dental Health During Treatment
Regular professional cleanings are a practical necessity for patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, such as traditional braces. The presence of brackets, bands, and wires creates sheltered areas where bacterial plaque can easily accumulate and become inaccessible to a regular toothbrush. This trapped plaque rapidly demineralizes the enamel surface and irritates the gingival tissues.
Dental hygienists use specialized tools to navigate around the orthodontic hardware, effectively removing hardened plaque, known as calculus or tartar. Calculus buildup is a significant factor contributing to gingivitis, a common inflammatory response seen when hygiene is compromised. If left unchecked, this inflammation can progress to more serious periodontal issues, potentially threatening the stability of the teeth.
Routine examinations also allow the dentist to monitor for dental caries, commonly known as cavities, which can be obscured by orthodontic appliances. When decay is detected, the general dentist coordinates with the orthodontist to temporarily remove any necessary wires or bands to access the tooth and perform a filling. Delaying this process risks the decay spreading deeper into the tooth structure.
Maintaining the health of the gums is important because teeth move more predictably and safely when the surrounding periodontal ligament and gingiva are healthy. Severe inflammation can cause discomfort and may necessitate a temporary pause in tooth movement to allow the tissues to recover. The dentist serves as the first line of defense against these potential setbacks by focusing on prevention and maintenance.
Identifying and Managing Treatment-Specific Issues
Orthodontic appliances can increase a patient’s susceptibility to specific dental complications that require the dentist’s intervention. One common concern is white spot lesions (WSLs), which are areas of enamel decalcification that appear as chalky white marks on the tooth surface. These lesions occur when acids produced by plaque bacteria erode the minerals from the enamel, often forming right at the margins of the brackets.
The general dentist monitors the progression of these white spots and applies preventative treatments, such as high-concentration fluoride varnishes, to encourage remineralization. While the orthodontist can provide hygiene guidance, the dentist treats the actual damage to the tooth structure. Addressing these lesions early prevents them from turning into cavities that require drilling and filling.
While the orthodontist handles emergencies related to the hardware, such as a loose bracket or a poking wire, the dentist handles issues related to the underlying teeth or soft tissue. For example, if a patient sustains a sports injury resulting in a chipped or fractured tooth, the general dentist performs the necessary bonding or repair. The general dentist also provides continued monitoring for minor gum inflammation. This ensures the overall periodontal environment remains stable without warranting an immediate call to the specialist.