There is no doubt about it – it is harder to maintain your dental health if you wear traditional metal braces. It’s harder, but not impossible, as we know at Koch Park Dental in Florissant.
It’s unfortunate (and ironic) when brace wearers develop tooth decay and weaken their teeth, while simultaneously trying to improve their smile with braces. A classic example of “one step forward and two steps back.”
The brackets and wires on traditional metal braces create hard to reach places where harmful bacteria can thrive. If brace wearers don’t pay continual and careful attention to oral hygiene, their teeth can be permanently damaged. The cycle of decay goes like this: 1. Food particles are trapped in the tiny spaces in and around the wires. 2. The bacteria in the food particles multiply. 3. The bacteria creates plaque. 4. The plaque erodes the enamel. 5. Cavities form.
Teeth are not the only thing at risk here. Orthodontic patients can also develop gum disease (gingivitis) which can progress quickly into periodontitis and eventual bone recession and tooth loss.
Bottom line: orthodontic patients need to be vigilant about a healthy diet and effective oral hygiene.
At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we provide comprehensive dental health care. We also offer cosmetic dentistry, including dental implants. Make an appointment with us today.
Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:
314-837-7744
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033
