Have you heard someone say that after you cut your finger, and it heals, that the scar tissue is stronger than normal tissue? What about your teeth and your restorative dental work? Can a filling or a crown get a cavity? During your orthodontic treatment, we want to be especially aware of risks for tooth decay. That’s why your regular dental checkups are still important.
It’s Important To Keep A Watchful Eye On Fillings And Other Dental Restorations
Regardless of where (or how long ago) dental procedures were performed, it’s really important to keep an eye on them. That’s a big part of your regular checkups. Here’s why:
- Decay can sneak in around fillings, crowns, and other restorative dental work.
- Sometimes, restorative work gives plaque additional nooks and crannies to hide in.
- Typically, the lifespan of fillings is shorter than the lifespan of your tooth.
- Checking for unusual wear, cracks, and chips can save much bigger problems later including more serious problems like gum disease and tooth loss.
Dental Work During Orthodontics
We always recommend that patients tell their dentists before starting orthodontic work. This is important because it’s best to take care of any dental work you need before braces are placed. In adults, this means a careful check-over of existing dental work too. Once you start your orthodontic treatment, it’s very important to maintain good oral hygiene habits so that there are no interruptions in your treatment plan.
“An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure”
Your mom was right—an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. That’s why regular checkups are SO important. When fillings and other dental work get older and worn, they can be more prone to cracks (or even falling out). Regular appointments allow these things to be monitored and checked to catch problems before they become emergencies.
We hope this information has been helpful to you.
