The Importance of Regular Orthodontic Check-Ups

Orthodontic treatment involves the use of braces, wires, and other hardware to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. Braces apply constant pressure that slowly moves teeth into the desired positions. Orthodontic treatment can improve the health and appearance of your smile. 

What Is An Orthodontic Check-up?

An orthodontic check-up is an exam that allows your best orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, to monitor your teeth as they continue to move and settle into place. Your teeth will be cleaned and checked for signs of damage to the enamel, cavities, or gum disease. X-rays will also be taken to reveal the position of the roots of the teeth and the health of the surrounding bone. These appointments are an important part of orthodontic treatment because they can help keep your smile bright and healthy throughout treatment!

What Are the Benefits of Regular Orthodontic Check-ups?

Proper care and maintenance for orthodontic appliances are crucial to preventing future oral health issues, as well as keeping your smile looking as beautiful as possible. By getting an annual check-up with your orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, you can ensure your teeth are staying clean and healthy in between visits with us!

In between these yearly check-in appointments, you should be brushing and flossing your teeth daily. While your braces do an excellent job of keeping your teeth clean after your cleanings, they do not remove the plaque buildup that occurs between visits. Plaque can cause cavities to form on your teeth, so it is best to keep them from building up as much as possible. You also need to floss daily to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. Flossing keeps your gums healthy and free from bacteria that can weaken them over time. Gum disease causes gums to become red and inflamed, leaving them prone to bleeding even when you brush or floss. It also causes them to recede away from the teeth and cause pockets where bacteria and food can get trapped and cause further inflammation. To properly care for your teeth and gums while you are wearing braces, be sure to brush your teeth after every meal for at least two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with a soft-bristled head. You should also floss at least once a day to get any stuck food and plaque out from between the wires of your braces and around your gums. Use a floss threader or a water flosser to clean around wires and brackets that may be too difficult to reach with your manual toothbrush.

Contact our orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, and orthodontist in Stevensville, MT, at 1116 W Main St, Hamilton, MT 59840, or 3920 US Hwy 93, Stevensville, MT 59870. You can call (406) 363-2200 to learn more.