Having clean teeth is essential for successful orthodontic treatment. Before you get braces, it's important to brush and floss your teeth, and have them professionally cleaned. This will ensure that the orthodontic appliances are securely attached to the teeth, and that your gums and bones are healthy enough to wear braces. Additionally, having a dental office in case of any dental emergencies is important.
Your orthodontist will clean your teeth with a polishing paste before placing the braces. This is done to make sure that no food particles or plaque can get stuck in the braces and cause damage. Bite x-rays may also be taken to detect any changes in tooth enamel. It's also important to note that some foods don't work well with orthodontic appliances, so it's best to avoid them.
Additionally, brushing your teeth and flossing after eating sugary foods is essential, as plaque can spread to various parts of the braces and surrounding areas. Before you put on braces, you'll need to have your teeth cleaned and complete all other dental work. This includes removing wisdom teeth if they interfere with orthodontic treatment. The average cost of cleaning teeth before braces is the same as the cost of cleaning teeth at any time.
If you're not in the habit of seeing the dentist regularly, you may need a debridement procedure or tooth scraping and root treatment if your gums aren't in good condition. It's best to schedule an appointment with a dental hygienist or dentist to have your teeth cleaned before you put your braces on and every three months after you have them on. Orthodontics helps satisfy the aesthetic desire for straight teeth, but it can also help correct teeth, bite and jaw alignment problems and ultimately improve oral health.
