Do You Have to Go to the Dentist Before the Orthodontist?

If you are looking in the mirror and thinking about straightening your teeth, you probably have a million questions. Should I get Invisalign or traditional braces? How long will it take? And, maybe most importantly, where do I even start?

One of the most common things people ask us is whether they need to see their general dentist before booking that first visit with an orthodontist. It is a great question, and the answer is a very big yes. While it might feel like an extra step, seeing a dentist in Colorado Springs before you start moving your teeth is the best way to make sure your smile stays healthy for the long haul.

At Star Dental Institute, we want your journey to a straight smile to be as easy as possible. Here is a look at why that first stop at the dentist’s office matters so much.

Why the Dentist Comes First

Think of your smile like a house. Before you start painting the walls or putting on a new roof (the orthodontics), you have to make sure the foundation is solid. If there is rot in the wood or cracks in the floor, the whole house could run into trouble later on.

In dentistry, "foundation" issues include cavities, gum disease, and plaque. An orthodontist is a specialist who focuses on how your teeth line up. However, a general dentist in Colorado Springs focuses on the health of each tooth and the gums that hold them in place.

Checking for Cavities

Before you put brackets or wires on your teeth, your mouth needs to be completely free of cavities. Once braces are on, it is much harder to fill a cavity. If a tooth starts decaying under a bracket, it can cause pain or infection, and the orthodontist might even have to remove the braces early to treat it.

Checking Your Gums

Moving teeth puts pressure on your gums and the bone underneath. If you have gum disease, that pressure can cause you to lose bone or damage your teeth's roots. At Star Dental Institute, we always check to ensure your gums are healthy and strong before any tooth movement begins.

The Role of a Professional Cleaning

Even if you think your teeth are clean, you should always have a professional cleaning before starting braces or Invisalign.

When you visit a dentist in Colorado Springs for a cleaning, the hygienist removes "tartar" (hard plaque) that you can't remove with a toothbrush at home. If that tartar is left on the teeth when braces are put on, it can trap bacteria against your enamel for a long time. This is often what causes those "white spots" people sometimes see after their braces come off.

Making Sure the Braces Stick

For braces to stay on properly, the glue needs to stick to a perfectly clean tooth. By visiting Star Dental Institute for a cleaning right before your ortho visit, you make sure your brackets stay put, and your treatment stays on track.

Can I Just Go Straight to the Orthodontist?

Technically, many orthodontists offer free consultations, so you can definitely go talk to them about your options. However, almost every good orthodontist will ask you, "When was your last cleaning and checkup?"

If it has been more than six months, they will likely send you back to your general dentist in Colorado Springs before they actually put anything on your teeth. You can save yourself the back-and-forth by getting your dental checkup out of the way first.

What Happens During Your Pre-Ortho Exam?

When you come into Star Dental Institute for your pre-orthodontic exam, we do a few specific things to get you ready:

X-Rays and Scans

We look for any hidden problems between the teeth or under the gum line. We want to make sure your roots are strong enough to handle being moved.

Checking Old Fillings

If you have old silver fillings or crowns that are wearing out, it is often better to replace them before braces go on. Once the wires are in the way, dental work gets much more complicated.

Wisdom Teeth

If you are a teenager or young adult, we need to see what your wisdom teeth are doing. Sometimes it makes sense to take them out before starting orthodontics so they don't push your straight teeth out of place later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I still need to see my dentist while I have braces?

Yes! In fact, it is more important than ever. Braces create lots of tiny spots for food and bacteria to hide. You should keep seeing your dentist in Colorado Springs every six months for cleanings while your braces are on.

Q: What if I need a tooth pulled for braces?

A: Sometimes an orthodontist will suggest taking out a tooth to make room. Usually, they will send you back to your general dentist to have this done. At Star Dental Institute, we work closely with local specialists to make this easy for you.

Q: Does Invisalign require a dentist visit too?

A: Yes. Even though you can take the clear trays out to brush, the same rules apply. You need healthy gums and no cavities before you start wearing aligners all day and night.

Why the Team Approach Works

When your dentist and your orthodontist work together, you get the best result. Your dentist in Colorado Springs ensures everything is clean and stable, while the orthodontist focuses on the appearance and bite.

At Star Dental Institute, we love seeing our patients get more confident with a straighter smile. But we also want that smile to be healthy enough to last you a lifetime!

Quick Tips for Success With Braces

Once you get the "all clear" from your dentist and your braces are on, here are a few simple tips:

• Try a Water Flosser: Itis much easier than threading regular floss through wires.
• Keep a Brush With You: Food gets stuck in braces easily. A quick brush after lunch helps a lot.
• Cut Back on Sugar: Sugar sitting under a wire is a fast way to get a cavity. Try to stick to water instead of soda.

Ready to Get Started?

Starting the path to a straighter smile is exciting, and we are here to help you take that first step. If you need a trusted dentist in Colorado Springs to get your mouth ready for braces, schedule an appointment. We would love to help.

At Star Dental Institute, we are a friendly team that treats you like a person, not just another patient. We will give you an honest assessment of your dental health and ensure you are ready for your new smile.