Have Braces Put Your Oral Health At Risk?
In the field of orthodontics, one of the main concerns of a doctor is to ensure that patients receive the best oral care available. Besides having straight and well-positioned teeth, healthy gums, roots, and enamel remain the main components of a laugh. Sometimes patients are concerned that the use of orthodontic appliances will jeopardize the rest of their mouths. According to orthodontist Richard M. Lyons, who regularly treats residents in Tribeca with Invisalign and braces, this is not really a problem.
Years ago, Dr. Lyons explains, there was the fear that people who were wearing suspenders, especially younger patients, would be at a higher risk of tooth decay or gum disease during treatment. The idea was that by the brackets and bands on the teeth, the more difficult to remove plaque and food debris. In some ways, this is still a concern, but through new technologies and more communication between patients and dentists, have greatly reduced these risks.
Still, Dr. Lyons says that when wearing braces or Invisalign, you have to keep strict about your oral hygiene routine. For people who wear traditional metal braces, he strongly recommends a Sonicare toothbrush because the way that moves the head of the brush is ideal for removing plaque and debris. If used correctly, he adds, the Sonicare toothbrush could eliminate your need to floss. If flossing is still needed, Dr. Lyons recommends using a floss threader (your dentist can show you how to use it in the office).
In addition to providing you with the means to clean your teeth in Dr. Lyon office, patients are given portable toothbrushes and timers, so they make sure they brush twice a day for the recommended three minutes each time.
If you use Invisalign to make your teeth straight, then Dr. Lyons says you have to remove the clear trays and brush your teeth as you normally would. He also adds that it is important to clean the load, and so that bacteria will be removed before being placed on teeth again. Cleaning crystals sterilize the containers can be purchased through the Invisalign company, or you can use special brushes to scrub the trays when not in use.
Of course, says Dr. Lyons, even if you brush and floss as recommended, it is still imperative that you attend to check you're planned dental and orthodontic appointments on the progress of your treatment and to ensure that in addition to the right, your teeth stay healthy too.
