How Often Should I Visit The Dentist?

The ADA and all major dental associations recommend that patients visit the dentist every six months, and that’s our recommendation at Molly Hottenstein Orthodontics, too. Whether or not you’re getting orthodontic treatment, you should see your dentist every six months for an oral exam and teeth cleaning.

Why Should I See The Dentist Every Six Months? Understanding The Benefits

Not sure why regular preventive dental visits are so important? Here are a few of the most important benefits of getting routine appointments at the dentist.

• Catch oral health issues early – The most obvious benefit of routine visits to the dentist is that your dentist can track your oral health over time, and recognize and treat any potential oral health issues early. This prevents future problems and ensures you maintain a healthy smile.
  
• Keep your smile clean – During your six-month cleaning and oral exam, your hygienist will clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup that you can’t brush away on your own. This helps keep your smile clean, healthy, and bright.
  
• Save time & money – Overall, preventive care saves you time and money. With routine cleanings and oral exams, you can avoid the need for fillings, crowns, periodontal care, and other expensive treatments. Not only that, but most dental insurance plans cover two teeth cleanings and oral exams per year, so you can get care at no cost if you’re insured.
  
• Get peace of mind – After your appointment with your dentist, you will know that your mouth is healthy and free of issues like tooth decay, gingivitis, and even oral cancer. This gives you valuable peace of mind.

Do I Need To See The Dentist Even When I’m Getting Orthodontic Treatment?

When you get braces or another orthodontic treatment at Molly Hottenstein Orthodontics, you may think that you don’t need to see your dentist during your treatment. After all, you need to come and see Dr. Hottenstein for orthodontic adjustments every 4-6 weeks. Isn’t that enough?

The answer is “no.” Orthodontic adjustments and even Invisalign checkups are completely different than preventive appointments with your family or general dentist. During this time, Dr. Hottenstein will examine your mouth.

However, she is not looking for things like signs of gum disease or cavities. If there are obvious signs of these issues, Dr. Hottenstein will notice. But at these appointments at our office, Dr. Hottenstein will not perform a comprehensive oral exam or clean your teeth.

Instead, your appointment will be focused on your orthodontic care. Dr. Hottenstein will determine if your teeth are moving properly and make sure your treatment is on track. You will still need to see your normal dentist every six months for teeth cleanings and oral exams.

Make Sure To Schedule Appointments With Your Dentist Every Six Months! 

At Molly Hottenstein Orthodontics, we always encourage our patients to schedule routine cleanings and oral exams with their dentists during orthodontic treatment. Schedule now to keep your mouth healthy and get peace of mind. And if you’re interested in orthodontic treatment in Wyomissing, contact us online or give us a call at (484) 258-2299 for an appointment with Dr. Hottenstein.