Did you know that dental check-ups help your orthodontic treatment succeed? Dr. Petrunic and our team at Petrunic Orthodontics will happily work with your dentist throughout your time with us to keep your treatment as effective and efficient as possible. Read on to learn more about the difference between orthodontic and dental appointments, as well as how you can uphold excellent oral health at home.
Attending Your Orthodontic Follow-Ups
What Happens During Check-Ups
Throughout treatment with Petrunic Orthodontics, our team will schedule you for follow-up appointments every four to six weeks to ensure everything is going as planned. Their frequency depends upon your appliance choice and your current oral health. During these appointments, Dr. Petrunic prioritizes providing adjustments, monitoring your tooth movement, replacing elastics, and checking on the condition of your appliance.
We work to promptly address any questions or concerns you may have and discuss where you are at in your treatment plan. We ensure everything goes according to schedule so you can finish your smile journey on time.
Importance of Sticking to Your Schedule
These dedicated appointments help you thrive in treatment and are thoughtfully spaced out, so we encourage you to keep to this schedule as best as possible. We understand that sometimes unexpected things occur, and you may be unable to make an upcoming appointment. Please let us know as soon as you can so our front desk staff can find the next best time to see you.
Why Continue Seeing Your Dentist?
Of course, keeping up with your orthodontic follow-ups with Petrunic Orthodontics is essential, but seeing your dentist is crucial in ensuring your treatment continues as planned. Our team recommends scheduling your regular routine appointments with your dentist every six months so they can act as a second set of eyes on your oral health and let you know of any potential oral issues.
What Happens During Check-Ups
Their top priority is to focus on your oral hygiene and offer you the resources necessary to prevent common complications, including gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, they will polish your teeth, clean your gums, provide treatment as necessary, and support the general health of your teeth.
At each appointment, you can expect a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums with the help of professional tools to eliminate excess tartar and plaque, examine your mouth for any signs of gum disease, and take an updated x-ray to scan for any signs of cavities. Just like our office, your dentist and their assistants work very detail-oriented to enhance your level of care, allowing you to focus on what is most important: your brand-new smile.
Risk of Skipping Appointments
There is a possibility of your treatment plan being delayed when dental issues arise during your smile journey and are left untreated. In severe cases, your braces may need to be prematurely taken off to deal with complications like gum disease, resulting in you wearing braces for much longer than planned.
If you need to get in to see your dentist before your next scheduled visit, contact their offices for more information. Your dentist will uphold the importance of maintaining oral health at home between appointments and set you up for success.
A Collaboration for Success
Petrunic Orthodontics and your dentist’s shared goal is a successful treatment outcome for you! We value open communication between our offices so your dentist can let us know about issues or concerns regarding your oral health found during follow-ups that may impact your care at our offices. That way, we can discuss them with you next time you are at our practice.
Likewise, we share updates with your dentist on your braces and other orthodontic treatments relevant to your routine check-up so they can adapt your dental appointment as necessary. We work together to help you achieve the best smile and make treatment as easy as possible.
Maintaining Positive Habits at Home
Staying Hydrated
One of the best ways to naturally maintain oral health is by simply drinking water throughout the day. Water contains a beneficial mineral known as fluoride, an ingredient commonly seen in toothpaste and mouthwash formulas that boosts your protection against tooth decay, cavities, and plaque buildup. We recommend keeping a bottle or cup nearby so you can also do a quick rinse after meals to eliminate loose pieces of food stuck between your teeth.
Emergency Preparedness
Our goal is to avoid encountering any emergencies during your treatment with us, but sometimes, even the everyday actions of chewing can wear down a wire or bracket to fall out of place. Dr. Petrunic will ensure you feel prepared to handle any situation that comes your way to protect your teeth. Of course, if something arises you need help managing a situation, our team is just a call away.
Maintaining Your Oral Hygiene
One of the foundations of maintaining your oral health is creating a regular morning and nightly care routine for your teeth and gums. You hold the power to keep your teeth safe. Consistent brushing and flossing your teeth can drastically lower your chances of tooth decay, excessive plaque buildup, bacteria, and cavities. Doing so can increase the effectiveness and strength of your appliance and teeth.
You can complement your daily routine with the use of mouthwash and a tongue scraper each day, making sure to only use the former in addition to brushing, not as a replacement. Both steps work to eliminate harmful bacteria and plaque that your toothbrush may be unable to reach. If you need a refresher on the most effective way to brush your teeth, the Petrunic Orthodontics team can assist you during your next appointment.
Keep Your Oral Health In Check!
The journey to your perfect smile is a team effort! You can rely on Petrunic Orthodontics to help you each step of the way, even after your appliance is removed. If you have any questions about your orthodontic treatment or maintaining your oral health, contact our front desk, and a member of our friendly team will ensure your concerns are answered. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Petrunic today to take the first step toward a healthier smile!