Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, particularly those related to the alignment of the teeth and jaws. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may wonder whether your orthodontist will clean your teeth during your visits. This question is common among patients who are receiving braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances. In this article, we will explore whether orthodontists clean your teeth, what their role is in maintaining oral health, and how dental cleanings fit into the overall orthodontic treatment process.
What Does An Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional training and education to specialize in the movement of teeth and the alignment of the jaw. Orthodontists are skilled in using appliances such as braces, clear aligners, retainers, and other devices to correct malocclusions (improper bites) and improve the overall function and appearance of the teeth and smile.
The primary goal of an orthodontist is to guide teeth into their proper positions over time. They focus on issues like crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and spacing problems. To achieve this, orthodontists use various treatment methods, including metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces (braces placed on the back of teeth), and Invisalign (clear aligners).
While orthodontists focus on aligning and straightening teeth, they do not typically handle the routine cleaning of teeth.
Cleaning is usually performed by a general dentist or a dental hygienist, who specializes in maintaining oral hygiene and preventing dental issues such as cavities and gum disease.
The Role of the Orthodontist in Dental Health
While orthodontists are primarily concerned with straightening teeth, they do play an important role in helping you maintain your overall dental health during the course of treatment. Their work directly impacts the alignment and function of your teeth, but they also provide guidance on how to care for your teeth while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances.
Here are some ways orthodontists contribute to maintaining dental health during treatment:
1. Monitoring Oral Health
Orthodontists regularly monitor the health of your teeth and gums during treatment. This includes checking for any signs of cavities, gum inflammation, or other issues that might arise as a result of braces or aligners. Orthodontic appliances can make it more difficult to clean your teeth effectively, so the orthodontist keeps an eye on how well you are maintaining your oral hygiene and offers advice on how to care for your teeth during treatment.
2. Providing Oral Hygiene Instructions
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial when wearing braces or aligners. Orthodontists provide instructions on how to properly brush and floss around the brackets, wires, and other components of the braces. They may also recommend special tools, such as interdental brushes or water flossers, to help clean hard-to-reach areas.
By following the orthodontist’s advice on oral hygiene, you can prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease during your treatment.
3. Assessing the Health of the Gums and Teeth
Orthodontists regularly assess the condition of your gums and teeth during your treatment. They check for signs of gum inflammation (gingivitis) or infection, both of which can be aggravated by poor oral hygiene. If any issues are detected, the orthodontist may refer you to a general dentist for further evaluation and cleaning.
4. Ensuring Proper Alignment for Oral Health
Beyond just straightening your teeth for aesthetic purposes, orthodontists also focus on improving your bite, chewing ability, and overall dental function. Proper alignment helps to reduce the risk of future dental problems, such as tooth wear, jaw pain, or difficulties in cleaning the teeth. Once your treatment is complete, you will be able to maintain better oral hygiene with straighter, properly aligned teeth.
Does An Orthodontist Clean Your Teeth?
While orthodontists play a vital role in the overall health and appearance of your teeth, they typically do not perform routine teeth cleanings during orthodontic visits. Teeth cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is the responsibility of a general dentist or a dental hygienist.
During a cleaning appointment, a dental hygienist or dentist removes plaque and tartar buildup, polishes your teeth, and checks for signs of cavities or gum disease. This procedure is necessary to maintain oral hygiene and prevent dental problems, especially when you are wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances that can trap food and plaque.
Orthodontists will often check for any plaque buildup during your treatment, but cleaning your teeth is usually left to your general dentist.
Many orthodontic offices will recommend scheduling regular cleanings with your dentist while undergoing orthodontic treatment. In fact, most patients receiving orthodontic care are advised to visit their dentist every 3-6 months for a professional cleaning to keep their teeth and gums in top condition.
Why Can’t An Orthodontist Clean Your Teeth?
Orthodontists are not responsible for routine dental cleanings for several reasons:
1. Specialization
Orthodontists specialize in the alignment of teeth and jaws, whereas general dentists and dental hygienists specialize in maintaining oral hygiene and preventing dental diseases. Each dental professional has a specific role, and while orthodontists monitor your oral health during treatment, cleanings are part of the preventive care that general dentists provide.
2. Braces and Other Appliances
When you have braces or other orthodontic appliances, cleaning your teeth becomes more challenging. Braces have many small parts, including brackets and wires, that can trap food particles and plaque. A general dentist or hygienist is trained to clean around these appliances using specialized tools, ensuring that all areas are thoroughly cleaned.
Orthodontists typically focus on adjusting the braces or aligners, ensuring that the appliances are functioning correctly, and monitoring progress. They do not typically have the tools or equipment necessary for a deep cleaning of your teeth.
3. Different Treatment Goals
Orthodontic appointments are focused on adjusting the position of your teeth and monitoring progress. They are not intended for cleaning teeth or performing routine dental hygiene procedures. Regular cleanings, however, are essential to keep your mouth healthy and prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
How Often Should You See a Dentist for a Cleaning During Orthodontic Treatment?
While undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is essential to continue seeing your general dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist at least once every six months for a professional cleaning, even if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
However, many orthodontists suggest more frequent visits—every 3-4 months—for professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup that may accumulate more quickly while wearing braces. A dentist or hygienist will also be able to detect any early signs of cavities or gum disease, which can sometimes go unnoticed when cleaning is more difficult due to braces or aligners.
What Happens if You Don’t Get Your Teeth Cleaned During Orthodontic Treatment?
If you do not maintain regular dental cleanings while undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may be at an increased risk for several oral health problems:
Plaque and Tartar Buildup: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth throughout the day. If not removed by regular brushing and professional cleanings, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. Tartar buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Cavities: Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of developing cavities, especially in areas where braces or aligners make it difficult to clean.
Cavities can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Gum Disease: Gum disease, or gingivitis, can develop if plaque and tartar are not regularly removed. If untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious conditions like periodontitis, which can damage the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Regular visits to your general dentist for cleanings are crucial to preventing these issues and ensuring that your orthodontic treatment proceeds smoothly.
Conclusion
In summary, while orthodontists play an essential role in monitoring your oral health during treatment and helping to align your teeth, they do not typically perform routine dental cleanings. Cleanings are the responsibility of a general dentist or dental hygienist, who is specially trained to maintain oral hygiene and prevent cavities and gum disease. To ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment and maintain your overall dental health, it is essential to continue seeing your dentist for regular cleanings during your time in braces or with aligners.
