Dental Hygienist??

fichillie

Hi guys, just a quick Q.....
I'm getting braces on in September and need 2 teeth pulled beforehand. So Ive made an appointment with a dentist for a check up, cleaning and 2 extractions......however my orthodontist has advised a visit to a dental hygienist before the treatment starts. Can someone tell me what the reason for this is? Ive never had any major problems with my teeth (apart from not being straight), so is there any issues a hygienist would spot that a dentist would not?

helimachoptor

Maybe to get tips on how to clean once you get the braces on, it can be quite an effort to ensure that you clean your teeth properly.

fichillie

So maybe more beneficial after i get the braces on?

bazzer86

Hi Fichillie, no it's beneficial to see the hygienist before you get the braces on. The reason being that after you have your braces on, they will attract more plaque than normal. By going to the hygienist before hand you will get your teeth cleaned properly before you get the braces as you will have them on for a while!
I know because I am in the same situation, I am getting braces and my dentist advised me only yesterday to visit the hygienist.

fichillie

But would a dentist not give that same cleaning treatment that the hygienist would?

helimachoptor

fichillie wrote: »

So maybe more beneficial after i get the braces on?

Yes and no, you will need a good cleaning before you get them on anyway so you have a good baseline to start from.

However you will need to know how to clean in and around the braces properly or you'll have sever plaque build up around the braces.

I only had braces for a few months but I was very careful about my cleaning routine.

bazzer86

I'm not an expert but my dentist has a separate hygienist that comes in and does a full cleanover

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Your dentist will do the hygiene as part of the check, cleaning and extractions you have booked in for.