Getting braces marks an exciting step toward your perfect smile. However, rushing into orthodontic treatment without proper dental preparation can lead to complications that extend your treatment time and increase costs. Your mouth needs to be in optimal health before those brackets go on.
A comprehensive dental examination ensures your mouth provides the healthiest environment for successful orthodontic treatment.
Cavity Check and Treatment
Your orthodontist needs a clean slate to work with. Cavities hiding beneath brackets become nearly impossible to treat effectively once braces are attached. Food particles and plaque easily get trapped around brackets and wires, creating perfect breeding grounds for bacteria.
Untreated cavities will continue growing during your orthodontic treatment. This can lead to severe pain, emergency dental visits, and potentially removing brackets to address the decay. Getting all cavities filled beforehand prevents these interruptions and keeps your treatment timeline on track.
Gum Health Assessment
Healthy gums form the foundation that supports your teeth throughout the moving process. Inflamed or infected gums struggle to handle the pressure and movement that braces create. Periodontal disease can actually accelerate during orthodontic treatment if left untreated.
Your dentist will check for signs of gingivitis or periodontitis and recommend appropriate treatment. This might include deep cleaning, medication, or specific oral hygiene instructions. Strong, healthy gums respond better to orthodontic pressure and help ensure your teeth move into their new positions safely.
Evaluation of Existing Orthodontist Work
Previous orthodontist work requires special attention before braces installation. Your dentist needs to examine:
- Crown and bridge stability
- Filling integrity and placement Â
- Root canal success rates
- Implant positioning
Loose fillings or damaged crowns can create problems once orthodontic forces begin moving your teeth. Your dentist might recommend replacing or reinforcing existing work to withstand the upcoming treatment. This evaluation also helps your orthodontist plan the most effective treatment strategy.
General Dentistry Requirements
Some patients need additional procedures before braces can be safely applied. Wisdom teeth often require removal if they threaten to crowd newly straightened teeth. Excessive wear patterns might need correction through restorative work.
Your dentistry will also assess your overall oral hygiene habits. Poor brushing and flossing techniques become magnified problems with braces. You might receive personalized instruction on cleaning techniques or recommendations for specific tools like water flossers or special toothbrushes.
Bite Alignment Evaluation
Your dentist examines how your upper and lower teeth currently meet together. This information proves crucial for your orthodontist when designing your treatment plan. Severe bite issues might require preliminary work or coordination between your dentist and orthodontist.
Some bite problems involve jaw positioning rather than just tooth alignment. Early identification allows for comprehensive treatment planning that addresses both cosmetic and functional concerns.Â
Your dentist might recommend additional specialists if jaw surgery or other complex procedures become necessary.
Professional Cleaning and Plaque Removal
Starting with the cleanest possible teeth gives your orthodontic treatment the best chance for success. Professional cleaning removes tartar and plaque buildup that regular brushing cannot eliminate. This cleaning also allows better examination of your tooth surfaces for any hidden problems.
Fresh, clean teeth also help brackets bond more effectively to your tooth enamel. Poor bonding can lead to brackets falling off during treatment, causing delays and additional appointments.Â
