How often do you visit your dentist?

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#1 Post by **Lola** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:33 am

Hi everybody, was just wondering if someone could give me a detailed breakdown of how often you are supposed to visit your dentist and what to ask for during your orthodontal work. I am a complete dental phobe and so have infrequent checkups etc. When I was getting braces I assumed the ortho would tell me to get a proper clean first (he didn't, so I didn't) and tell me how often I needed checkups etc while wearing braces. There is a corresponding dental clinic close by which is where I got extractions, so I'm sure I could go here. I know he probably assumed I knew what to do and nobody likes to admit they are a dentist avoider, so I'd appreciate if someone here could tell me how often they gop, what they ask for etc (by the way, bottom braces not on yet- probable a good time for a clean before they are attached??)

#2 Post by **jennielee81** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:43 am

The best person to ask would be the dentist. I went every 6 months, some go every 3 months though.

My hygiene has always been exceptional and my teeth are quite strong so my dentist wasn' too concerned about me getting more frequent cleanings.

I would make the assumption of every 6 months. Go to have a cleaning done and then ask the dentist when you should come back. He/she will be able to tell you after seeing your teeth and how well you keep them clean.

Best wishes!

#3 Post by **browneyedgrl** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:55 am

My ortho suggests that you go to the dentist every 3-4 months while wearing braces/appliances. I go every four months for a cleaning anyway. I'm going in for my first cleaning with my braces on Wednesday.

Check with your ortho and see what he suggests. I would definitely agree with jennilee about going in at least every six months.

B

#4 Post by **purpleteeth** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:48 am

I didn't have time to get cleaned before my braces were put on. I knew I was going to get braces, made the appointments, and literally had my braces on the NEXT DAY! I got 2 opinions, went with the best option for me, and the office I went with had an opening -- so I took it. They said it would have helped to have had them cleaned, but they didn't make a super big deal about it. I could have either had the braces on the next day or wait until the week of Thanksgiving (when I knew I would have to work a lot of extra hours), so I said let's just do them tomorrow

I got my first cleaning about 5-6 weeks into my treatment. I ended up going with the ortho recommended by my dentist. They do not remove the archwires.

I now get my teeth cleaned every 2.5-3.5 months, give or take when I have my adjustment appointments with the ortho. I like to be seen about every 6ish weeks by either my ortho or dentist.
- They clean my teeth every 3 months
- They check my teeth every 6 months
*they don't like to do bite-wing xrays with the braces in, so I get checked more frequently

I will tell you though, getting your teeth cleaned with braces is essential. It is harder to brush your teeth and keep them clean with the braces, so having it done professionally can help you maintain better oral health. They also do a flouride treatment on me everytime I go in.

Your ortho will keep you posted though on how frequently they believe you should get them done. My insurance only covers 2 cleanings a year, so the other 2 come out of pocket. My braces are not covered by ins at all, but I figure if I am putting THIS MUCH MONEY into my teeth to get them healthier -- I'll suffer through the extra cleanings. My ortho told me every 3 months, if possible, and my dentist recommended the same.

#5 Post by **kndmanz** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 12:33 pm

Before getting braced I had been going every 4 months due to some gum issues; my gums are now healthy, but my hygienist recommended I stay on the four month cycle until my braces come off. My orthodontist has never made a recommendation, although he did comment on Friday about how nice I am keeping my teeth & braces!