Ortho 101 for the Dental Professional
Overview

Orthodontic treatment can create a challenge in plaque removal and, consequentially, an increased risk to dental disease. In order to develop recommendations, it is necessary for dental care providers to understand the challenge in maintaining proper oral hygiene when working around orthodontic appliances. By describing various components of orthodontic braces and appliances, devices developed to assist in homecare, and products available for caries prevention, the practitioner can formulate a customized home care regimen with modified techniques. Through the understanding of the areas within the mouth that are more at risk due to braces or fixed appliance placement, the dental provider can help patients improve the outcomes of their orthodontic treatment by minimizing or ultimately eliminating decalcifications, dental caries and periodontal disease.