Metal Mouth Message Board

Hey everyone,
I've been reading posts all over the board and found that people are advised by their ortho to go to the dentist more often than six months. So I'm wondering how often should I be going to the dentist and how many people here have insurance that covers it? Do you pay for it yourself if it doesn't?

I also feel a bit lazy when I read how much floss people are going through. I brought a waterpik just so I didn't have to floss. Am I doing myself a disservice? I try flossing but it is sooooooo much work especially since my teeth are still really really crowded. How many people here floss everyday?

Last query: I'm going for my very first adjustment on Friday. I'm ready to admit that after reading the posts and watching the students in my class (I am a teacher) I'm scared. How should I prepare or can I even prepare for it?

Thanks for your help!!

Over the last 30 years or so I've gone to the dentist every 6 months for a check and clean. This included the period during which I had braces. I choose not to have insurance (am in Aussie).

I floss daily and did so also during my time in braces. I'd go through one Oral B superfloss thread per day. I expect both your ortho and dentist would want you to floss daily, best to ask.

Re your first adjustment: if you don't know what's coming up, take it easy and don't worry about it. You could have a whole heap of stuff done.....or very little at all.

Hi there,

Re going to the dentist - I get two cleanings a year with my insurnance. While I'm in braces, I decided to go for an extra cleaning and pay for it. I just had it last week. Neither the dentist nor the hygienist thought it was necessary, and advised me to wait the standard 6 months for the next cleaning.

I don't floss every day but I do use a water pik. My hygienist told me last week that I'm doing an excellent job with cleaning, and the dentist definitely approved of the water pik. So I don't get worried by all those people using reels of floss. But your hygienist will tell you if your cleaning routine is inadequate, I'm sure.

After your first adjustment, you may not notice anything. On the other hand, you might have sore teeth for a couple for days. It's hard to prepare in advance. You won't really know until the day after. But if you get sore, be assured that it will only last for a day or two. The adjustment itself really doesn't hurt. It may just be a little uncomfortable.

All the best for Friday - you'll be fine.

Jill

Hey! I try to floss everyday, though it is much harder, I admit sometimes I don't. But as for cleaning, my standard six months still seems fine with me. I think I have better habits now actually, because I always always brush, and don't do the lazy skip thing at night if I am tired!! So I feel I am doing a good job. It is just a bit more frustrating to floss, and my teeth on the bottom are tight also, so its even more difficult. But I keep trying! Good luck to you!

Thanks everyone. I still wonder about this flossing thing but it is getting a little easier.

I made it through the first adjustment but only the top was done. It really wasn't so bad. It was then I realized that its only been three weeks since I've had them. Does this seem too early to adjust to anyone else?

Since getting braced, I go every 3-4 months for a cleaning as I have had some gum problems with my back molars. Last time I went, 2 months ago, they said my gums look healthy so I wont go back till Feb or so.

My insurance only covers 2 cleanings a year so if my gums/teeth are healthy, I dont want to spend the xtra cash.

As long as we floss and brush, out teeth should be fine. I admit I dont floss everyday neither, I loose motivation sometimes and I use the waterpick instead.

In regards to the adjustment. I go every 8 weeks. It used to be 10 before. Adjustments vary from person to person and it depends on your treatment, but its nice you had one so quick

I am going to go 4 times per year because my insurance covers it and I want to make sure my teeth stay clean. I think that every 6 months would be sufficient.

I use a waterpik and still floss daily. I only use one superfloss per day. It's probably overkill but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Glad to hear it's going better for you! I don't think you'll do any harm skipping sometimes but I wouldn't neglect it altogether.

My first adjustment is set for 6 weeks out. I guess I can go longer between them after I get my Suresmile wires.

ldbraced wrote:I am going to go 4 times per year because my insurance covers it and I want to make sure my teeth stay clean. I think that every 6 months would be sufficient.
My first adjustment is set for 6 weeks out. I guess I can go longer between them after I get my Suresmile wires.

How cool is it that your insurance covers 4 time a year cleanings?!!

After the first adjustment, it wasn't so bad. It was just a lig change and clipping of the wire that was drilling a hole into my cheek. Never really asked what type of braces and wires I have so I'm wondering, do diffferent types work better or just differently??

Hi all,
From what I've read, you all go for the normal 6 mo check-up/cleaning. Or you go more often. That's great and I definitely want to keep my teeth and gums healthy and clean during my treatment.
However...
The receptionist at my dentist's office suggests I have the braces removed so I can get a thorough cleaning. And then the ortho has to put it back on again. Has anyone ever heard of that being done? I just think that that would cost extra - not to mention it'd be more of a hassle.
Thanks for your input!
Chris

chrisseyer wrote:Hi all,

The receptionist at my dentist's office suggests I have the braces removed so I can get a thorough cleaning. And then the ortho has to put it back on again.
Chris

I've never heard of complete removal Chris but I did hear that the best times to clean the teeth is when the wires are off during an adjustment. Could that be maybe what she meant??

that makes more sense to me than taking everything off.
thanks for the input!

chris