Importance of Regular Dental Checkups During Treatment

Importance of Regular Dental Checkups During Treatment

* Maintaining the corrected tooth alignment achieved during braces.

Okay, so you've bravely embraced braces! Kudos to you, future smile champion. But let's be real, life with brackets and wires presents a whole new level of dental diligence. That's where regular checkups become absolutely crucial, especially when it comes to maintaining optimal oral hygiene. Orthodontic treatments can improve speech and chewing functions Early orthodontic intervention dental braces. Think of it this way: your orthodontist is now your co-pilot on this journey to a straighter smile. They're not just adjusting your wires; they're also your frontline defense against the plaque and bacteria that love to party in those hard-to-reach places around your braces.


During these checkups, they'll give your mouth a thorough inspection, identifying any potential problem areas you might be missing with your toothbrush and floss. They can show you specific techniques to clean around brackets, under wires, and those tricky spots between your teeth – maybe even recommend specialized tools like interdental brushes or water flossers. It's not just about lecturing you on brushing; it's about providing personalized guidance tailored to your unique brace setup and oral health needs.


And honestly, let's face it, even with the best intentions, plaque buildup happens. Your orthodontist can professionally clean those areas that are proving stubbornly resistant to your at-home efforts. This helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and those dreaded white spots that can appear when braces come off. Essentially, regular checkups are your insurance policy against developing other dental issues while you're already investing in a beautiful, straighter smile. They ensure that when those braces finally come off, you're not just revealing perfectly aligned teeth, but also a healthy and happy mouth ready to shine.

* Preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions as the jawbone settles. —

So you're rocking braces, aligners, or any other orthodontic magic to straighten your smile. Awesome! But here's the thing: while your orthodontist is busy perfecting your bite, your regular dentist is your secret weapon for making sure that journey stays smooth and complication-free. Think of it this way: early detection of dental issues that can complicate orthodontic treatment is absolutely key. Imagine developing a sneaky cavity under a bracket. Ouch, right? Or how about gum disease quietly brewing, potentially weakening the support for your teeth just when they're being shifted? A regular dental checkup acts like a vigilant scout, spotting these potential troublemakers before they can throw a wrench in your orthodontic progress. Your dentist can catch these issues early – cavities, gum disease, even impacted teeth – and address them promptly. This prevents delays in your orthodontic treatment, avoids potentially more invasive (and expensive!) procedures down the line, and most importantly, keeps your mouth healthy throughout the entire process. It's a team effort, really, between your orthodontist and your dentist, all working towards that dazzling, healthy smile you're dreaming of.

* Protecting the investment made in orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is a fantastic investment in your smile, but those brackets and wires can create extra nooks and crannies where plaque loves to hide. That's why regular dental checkups become even more crucial during this time. Think of it this way: your orthodontist is straightening your teeth, but your general dentist is your defense against enamel damage and tooth decay creeping in around those appliances. They're the ones who can spot the early signs of trouble, like decalcification (those chalky white spots that appear on enamel), and take steps to prevent it from turning into full-blown cavities. Regular cleanings remove the plaque and tartar your toothbrush might miss, especially around brackets. Fluoride treatments strengthen the enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria. Your dentist can also give you personalized advice on brushing, flossing, and using special tools like interdental brushes to keep everything sparkling clean. Basically, they're your partner in making sure you finish your orthodontic journey with a straight, healthy, and decay-free smile. So, don't skip those checkups!

* Protecting the investment made in orthodontic treatment.

* Ensuring the long-term stability of the bite and smile.

Okay, so you're going through treatment – whatever it may be – and thinking about squeezing in another appointment probably feels like the last thing you want to do. But trust me on this one: regular dental checkups are even MORE vital when you're already dealing with health challenges. Think about it. Your body's probably under a bit of stress, and that can affect your mouth.


One of the big things your dentist keeps an eye on is your gum health. Monitoring gum health and preventing gingivitis isn't just about having a pretty smile (though that's a nice bonus!). It's about preventing a whole cascade of problems. We want to catch any signs of inflammation or bleeding early. Gingivitis, that initial stage of gum disease, can sneak up on you. If it's left unchecked, it can progress to periodontitis, which can damage the bone and tissues that support your teeth.


And why is that a big deal during treatment? Well, inflammation in your mouth can actually impact your overall health and potentially interfere with how your body responds to your primary treatment. Plus, infections in your mouth can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to other illnesses. A healthy mouth contributes to a healthier you, and that's especially crucial when you're already battling something else. So, keeping those gums in tip-top shape is a really important part of looking after yourself during treatment. It's a small investment that can make a big difference.

* Supporting proper jaw growth and development in younger children.

Okay, so you're braving the world of braces or Invisalign, right? Good for you! But listen, just slapping those things on and hoping for the best isn't going to cut it. Regular dental checkups during your orthodontic treatment aren't just some extra chore your dentist dreamed up; they're absolutely crucial for making sure everything goes smoothly and you actually end up with that killer smile you're after. Think of it like this: your teeth are shifting, and your appliance is the engine driving that shift. If the engine's not running right or the wheels aren't aligned properly, you're going to end up stuck or going in the wrong direction.


That's where "ensuring proper alignment progress and appliance maintenance" comes in. During these checkups, your orthodontist is keeping a close eye on whether your teeth are moving as predicted. Are they tracking correctly? Are there any unexpected hitches or roadblocks? If things are off, they can make adjustments to the wires, elastics, or aligners to get you back on course. Believe me, catching these issues early saves you time, money, and potential discomfort down the road.


And it's not just about how your teeth are moving. Your appliance itself needs some TLC. Your dentist or orthodontist will check for any broken brackets, loose wires, or damaged aligners. They'll also give you a refresher on proper cleaning techniques to prevent plaque buildup around your appliance, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Honestly, neglecting the maintenance aspect is like skipping oil changes on your car – it might run for a while, but eventually, something's going to break down. So, stick to those regular checkups. Your future smile (and your wallet) will thank you.

* Avoiding the need for future, potentially more extensive, orthodontic intervention.

Okay, so you've finally shed those braces! Freedom! A perfect smile! But hold on a second. All that hard work you and your orthodontist put in can vanish faster than you think if you don't keep up the good habits. Regular dental checkups are absolutely crucial, even after orthodontic treatment, because they're your shield against things like cavities and gum disease that can undo all the progress you made.


Think about it: braces can leave tiny imperfections on your teeth, little nooks and crannies that are just perfect for bacteria to set up shop. And even though you're now free of brackets and wires, plaque can still build up, especially if you're not brushing and flossing like a pro. Regular checkups allow your dentist to spot these potential problems early on, before they become bigger, more expensive issues.


Your dentist can professionally clean your teeth, removing stubborn plaque and tartar that you might miss at home. They can also give you personalized advice on the best ways to brush and floss, targeting those hard-to-reach areas. Plus, they'll check for any signs of gum disease, which, left untreated, can damage the bone that supports your teeth.


Basically, regular dental checkups after orthodontic treatment are all about maintaining that investment you made in your smile. They're about making sure those pearly whites stay healthy and straight for years to come. It's like getting your car serviced after a long road trip – preventative maintenance to keep everything running smoothly. So, don't skip those appointments! Your future smile (and your wallet) will thank you.

* Contributing to overall oral health by preventing crowding and misalignment.

Okay, so you've got braces. Awesome! Straight teeth are in your future. But, let's be real, sometimes those wires and brackets can be a bit...uncomfortable. And let's not even get started on trying to floss around them. That's where those regular dental checkups come in, especially while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment. Think of them as your comfort zone checkpoints.


Your dentist and hygienist aren't just checking for cavities (though that's definitely part of it!). They're also your allies in navigating the sometimes-tricky world of braces. Feeling a poke from a wire? Maybe a bracket is rubbing your cheek raw? Don't suffer in silence! These appointments are the perfect time to bring up any discomfort you're experiencing. They can adjust wires, apply wax to irritating spots, and offer suggestions for pain relief.


Beyond immediate discomfort, regular checkups also help address broader oral health concerns that can arise with braces. Food can get trapped more easily, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and gingivitis (inflamed gums). Your dental team can provide a super-thorough cleaning, reaching those hard-to-access areas around your brackets. They can also give you personalized tips and tricks for brushing and flossing effectively with braces, ensuring you maintain optimal oral hygiene throughout your treatment. Basically, they're keeping your mouth happy and healthy during this important process, so you can smile confidently both now and when those braces finally come off.

Crossbite
Unilateral posterior crossbite
Specialty Orthodontics

In dentistry, crossbite is a form of malocclusion where a tooth (or teeth) has a more buccal or lingual position (that is, the tooth is either closer to the cheek or to the tongue) than its corresponding antagonist tooth in the upper or lower dental arch. In other words, crossbite is a lateral misalignment of the dental arches.[1][2]

Anterior crossbite

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Class 1 with anterior crossbite

An anterior crossbite can be referred as negative overjet, and is typical of class III skeletal relations (prognathism).

Primary/mixed dentitions

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An anterior crossbite in a child with baby teeth or mixed dentition may happen due to either dental misalignment or skeletal misalignment. Dental causes may be due to displacement of one or two teeth, where skeletal causes involve either mandibular hyperplasia, maxillary hypoplasia or combination of both.

Dental crossbite

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An anterior crossbite due to dental component involves displacement of either maxillary central or lateral incisors lingual to their original erupting positions. This may happen due to delayed eruption of the primary teeth leading to permanent teeth moving lingual to their primary predecessors. This will lead to anterior crossbite where upon biting, upper teeth are behind the lower front teeth and may involve few or all frontal incisors. In this type of crossbite, the maxillary and mandibular proportions are normal to each other and to the cranial base. Another reason that may lead to a dental crossbite is crowding in the maxillary arch. Permanent teeth will tend to erupt lingual to the primary teeth in presence of crowding. Side-effects caused by dental crossbite can be increased recession on the buccal of lower incisors and higher chance of inflammation in the same area. Another term for an anterior crossbite due to dental interferences is Pseudo Class III Crossbite or Malocclusion.

Single tooth crossbite

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Single tooth crossbites can occur due to uneruption of a primary teeth in a timely manner which causes permanent tooth to erupt in a different eruption pattern which is lingual to the primary tooth.[3] Single tooth crossbites are often fixed by using a finger-spring based appliances.[4][5] This type of spring can be attached to a removable appliance which is used by patient every day to correct the tooth position.

Skeletal crossbite

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An anterior crossbite due to skeletal reasons will involve a deficient maxilla and a more hyperplastic or overgrown mandible. People with this type of crossbite will have dental compensation which involves proclined maxillary incisors and retroclined mandibular incisors. A proper diagnosis can be made by having a person bite into their centric relation will show mandibular incisors ahead of the maxillary incisors, which will show the skeletal discrepancy between the two jaws.[6]

Posterior crossbite

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Bjork defined posterior crossbite as a malocclusion where the buccal cusps of canine, premolar and molar of upper teeth occlude lingually to the buccal cusps of canine, premolar and molar of lower teeth.[7] Posterior crossbite is often correlated to a narrow maxilla and upper dental arch. A posterior crossbite can be unilateral, bilateral, single-tooth or entire segment crossbite. Posterior crossbite has been reported to occur between 7–23% of the population.[8][9] The most common type of posterior crossbite to occur is the unilateral crossbite which occurs in 80% to 97% of the posterior crossbite cases.[10][3] Posterior crossbites also occur most commonly in primary and mixed dentition. This type of crossbite usually presents with a functional shift of the mandible towards the side of the crossbite. Posterior crossbite can occur due to either skeletal, dental or functional abnormalities. One of the common reasons for development of posterior crossbite is the size difference between maxilla and mandible, where maxilla is smaller than mandible.[11] Posterior crossbite can result due to

  • Upper Airway Obstruction where people with "adenoid faces" who have trouble breathing through their nose. They have an open bite malocclusion and present with development of posterior crossbite.[12]
  • Prolong digit or suckling habits which can lead to constriction of maxilla posteriorly[13]
  • Prolong pacifier use (beyond age 4)[13]

Connections with TMD

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Unilateral posterior crossbite

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Unilateral crossbite involves one side of the arch. The most common cause of unilateral crossbite is a narrow maxillary dental arch. This can happen due to habits such as digit sucking, prolonged use of pacifier or upper airway obstruction. Due to the discrepancy between the maxillary and mandibular arch, neuromuscular guidance of the mandible causes mandible to shift towards the side of the crossbite.[14] This is also known as Functional mandibular shift. This shift can become structural if left untreated for a long time during growth, leading to skeletal asymmetries. Unilateral crossbites can present with following features in a child

  • Lower midline deviation[15] to the crossbite side
  • Class 2 Subdivision relationships
  • Temporomandibular disorders [16]

Treatment

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A child with posterior crossbite should be treated immediately if the child shifts their mandible on closing, which is often seen in a unilateral crossbite as mentioned above. The best age to treat a child with crossbite is in their mixed dentition when their palatal sutures have not fused to each other. Palatal expansion allows more space in an arch to relieve crowding and correct posterior crossbite. The correction can include any type of palatal expanders that will expand the palate which resolves the narrow constriction of the maxilla.[9] There are several therapies that can be used to correct a posterior crossbite: braces, 'Z' spring or cantilever spring, quad helix, removable plates, clear aligner therapy, or a Delaire mask. The correct therapy should be decided by the orthodontist depending on the type and severity of the crossbite.

One of the keys in diagnosing the anterior crossbite due to skeletal vs dental causes is diagnosing a CR-CO shift in a patient. An adolescent presenting with anterior crossbite may be positioning their mandible forward into centric occlusion (CO) due to the dental interferences. Thus finding their occlusion in centric relation (CR) is key in diagnosis. For anterior crossbite, if their CO matches their CR then the patient truly has a skeletal component to their crossbite. If the CR shows a less severe class 3 malocclusion or teeth not in anterior crossbite, this may mean that their anterior crossbite results due to dental interferences.[17]

Goal to treat unilateral crossbites should definitely include removal of occlusal interferences and elimination of the functional shift. Treating posterior crossbites early may help prevent the occurrence of Temporomandibular joint pathology.[18]

Unilateral crossbites can also be diagnosed and treated properly by using a Deprogramming splint. This splint has flat occlusal surface which causes the muscles to deprogram themselves and establish new sensory engrams. When the splint is removed, a proper centric relation bite can be diagnosed from the bite.[19]

Self-correction

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Literature states that very few crossbites tend to self-correct which often justify the treatment approach of correcting these bites as early as possible.[9] Only 0–9% of crossbites self-correct. Lindner et al. reported that 50% of crossbites were corrected in 76 four-year-old children.[20]

See also

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  • List of palatal expanders
  • Palatal expansion
  • Malocclusion

References

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  1. ^ "Elsevier: Proffit: Contemporary Orthodontics · Welcome". www.contemporaryorthodontics.com. Retrieved 2016-12-11.
  2. ^ Borzabadi-Farahani A, Borzabadi-Farahani A, Eslamipour F (October 2009). "Malocclusion and occlusal traits in an urban Iranian population. An epidemiological study of 11- to 14-year-old children". European Journal of Orthodontics. 31 (5): 477–84. doi:10.1093/ejo/cjp031. PMID 19477970.
  3. ^ a b Kutin, George; Hawes, Roland R. (1969-11-01). "Posterior cross-bites in the deciduous and mixed dentitions". American Journal of Orthodontics. 56 (5): 491–504. doi:10.1016/0002-9416(69)90210-3. PMID 5261162.
  4. ^ Zietsman, S. T.; Visagé, W.; Coetzee, W. J. (2000-11-01). "Palatal finger springs in removable orthodontic appliances--an in vitro study". South African Dental Journal. 55 (11): 621–627. ISSN 1029-4864. PMID 12608226.
  5. ^ Ulusoy, Ayca Tuba; Bodrumlu, Ebru Hazar (2013-01-01). "Management of anterior dental crossbite with removable appliances". Contemporary Clinical Dentistry. 4 (2): 223–226. doi:10.4103/0976-237X.114855. ISSN 0976-237X. PMC 3757887. PMID 24015014.
  6. ^ Al-Hummayani, Fadia M. (2017-03-05). "Pseudo Class III malocclusion". Saudi Medical Journal. 37 (4): 450–456. doi:10.15537/smj.2016.4.13685. ISSN 0379-5284. PMC 4852025. PMID 27052290.
  7. ^ Bjoerk, A.; Krebs, A.; Solow, B. (1964-02-01). "A Method for Epidemiological Registration of Malocculusion". Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. 22: 27–41. doi:10.3109/00016356408993963. ISSN 0001-6357. PMID 14158468.
  8. ^ Moyers, Robert E. (1988-01-01). Handbook of orthodontics. Year Book Medical Publishers. ISBN 9780815160038.
  9. ^ a b c Thilander, Birgit; Lennartsson, Bertil (2002-09-01). "A study of children with unilateral posterior crossbite, treated and untreated, in the deciduous dentition--occlusal and skeletal characteristics of significance in predicting the long-term outcome". Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics. 63 (5): 371–383. doi:10.1007/s00056-002-0210-6. ISSN 1434-5293. PMID 12297966. S2CID 21857769.
  10. ^ Thilander, Birgit; Wahlund, Sonja; Lennartsson, Bertil (1984-01-01). "The effect of early interceptive treatment in children with posterior cross-bite". The European Journal of Orthodontics. 6 (1): 25–34. doi:10.1093/ejo/6.1.25. ISSN 0141-5387. PMID 6583062.
  11. ^ Allen, David; Rebellato, Joe; Sheats, Rose; Ceron, Ana M. (2003-10-01). "Skeletal and dental contributions to posterior crossbites". The Angle Orthodontist. 73 (5): 515–524. ISSN 0003-3219. PMID 14580018.
  12. ^ Bresolin, D.; Shapiro, P. A.; Shapiro, G. G.; Chapko, M. K.; Dassel, S. (1983-04-01). "Mouth breathing in allergic children: its relationship to dentofacial development". American Journal of Orthodontics. 83 (4): 334–340. doi:10.1016/0002-9416(83)90229-4. ISSN 0002-9416. PMID 6573147.
  13. ^ a b Ogaard, B.; Larsson, E.; Lindsten, R. (1994-08-01). "The effect of sucking habits, cohort, sex, intercanine arch widths, and breast or bottle feeding on posterior crossbite in Norwegian and Swedish 3-year-old children". American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. 106 (2): 161–166. doi:10.1016/S0889-5406(94)70034-6. ISSN 0889-5406. PMID 8059752.
  14. ^ Piancino, Maria Grazia; Kyrkanides, Stephanos (2016-04-18). Understanding Masticatory Function in Unilateral Crossbites. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 9781118971871.
  15. ^ Brin, Ilana; Ben-Bassat, Yocheved; Blustein, Yoel; Ehrlich, Jacob; Hochman, Nira; Marmary, Yitzhak; Yaffe, Avinoam (1996-02-01). "Skeletal and functional effects of treatment for unilateral posterior crossbite". American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. 109 (2): 173–179. doi:10.1016/S0889-5406(96)70178-6. PMID 8638566.
  16. ^ Pullinger, A. G.; Seligman, D. A.; Gornbein, J. A. (1993-06-01). "A multiple logistic regression analysis of the risk and relative odds of temporomandibular disorders as a function of common occlusal features". Journal of Dental Research. 72 (6): 968–979. doi:10.1177/00220345930720061301. ISSN 0022-0345. PMID 8496480. S2CID 25351006.
  17. ^ COSTEA, CARMEN MARIA; BADEA, MÎNDRA EUGENIA; VASILACHE, SORIN; MESAROÅž, MICHAELA (2016-01-01). "Effects of CO-CR discrepancy in daily orthodontic treatment planning". Clujul Medical. 89 (2): 279–286. doi:10.15386/cjmed-538. ISSN 1222-2119. PMC 4849388. PMID 27152081.
  18. ^ Kennedy, David B.; Osepchook, Matthew (2005-09-01). "Unilateral posterior crossbite with mandibular shift: a review". Journal (Canadian Dental Association). 71 (8): 569–573. ISSN 1488-2159. PMID 16202196.
  19. ^ Nielsen, H. J.; Bakke, M.; Blixencrone-Møller, T. (1991-12-01). "[Functional and orthodontic treatment of a patient with an open bite craniomandibular disorder]". Tandlaegebladet. 95 (18): 877–881. ISSN 0039-9353. PMID 1817382.
  20. ^ Lindner, A. (1989-10-01). "Longitudinal study on the effect of early interceptive treatment in 4-year-old children with unilateral cross-bite". Scandinavian Journal of Dental Research. 97 (5): 432–438. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0722.1989.tb01457.x. ISSN 0029-845X. PMID 2617141.
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