Just because you go in for regular check-ups for your braces with your orthodontist, doesn't mean that you don't still need to visit your dentist for regularly scheduled cleanings and other dental care as well. These dental appointments should continue as normal because this ensures that your teeth are in optimal health. In fact, your orthodontist will likely ask you if you go to the dentist regularly and will want your dentist's information so that they can coordinate your oral care if necessary. Here are two reasons to go to the dentist when you have braces.

Ensure You Are Brushing & Flossing Properly

Brushing and flossing with braces is often a bit trickier than brushing and flossing without them. You have to work around metal wires that go over each tooth and brackets that are attached to the actual surface of your teeth. This means that you likely have to brush at angles that you aren't used to brushing at and you need to take more time when flossing your teeth.

When you go into the dentist for a dental cleaning, they can inspect your teeth and see if you are brushing and flossing as you should. If your gums are inflamed, you have a build up of plaque and tartar, or if you have one or more new cavities, these are all signs that you aren't brushing and flossing as well as you should be. If this is in fact the case, then the dentist and/or dental hygienist working on your teeth can show you the proper techniques and even give you some tools that can make flossing easier for you, such as a floss threader.

Ensure Progress with Your Braces Isn't Slowed

If one or more of your teeth get cavities, become infected, need a root canal, etc., these are all things that can hinder the progress you are making with your braces. In order to have these things fixed, your metal wires must be taken out and the tooth or teeth must be worked on, fixed, or even removed. If the tooth is removed, this means that the entire structure of your braces must shift, or you need to have some kind of fake tooth put into place. In any case, going to the dentist often can stop these problems from occurring because your teeth are checked regularly to make sure that they are in good health.

When you have braces on, it is important to go to the dentist because they can let you know if you are brushing and flossing correctly with your braces and they can also ensure that your teeth are kept healthy and progress with your braces isn't slowed down.

To learn more, contact clinics such as Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP.