The Importance of In-Person Checkups with Your Orthodontist

Posted on April 15, 2024 | First Time

If you brush your teeth twice a day and limit your sugar intake, you probably don’t have to worry about tooth decay… Right?

Setting aside the fact that children aren’t the most reliable brushers, there are an infinite number of unpredictable factors that can contribute to oral health issues. Losing baby teeth, physical trauma to the jaw, and overcrowding can all cause long-term problems, for example.

This is not to say oral care is meaningless—please, keep flossing—we’re just suggesting that without the help of a specialist, potential problems can go unnoticed, and can turn into even bigger problems!

Safeguarding a Smile with In-Person Evaluation

Routine checkups with an orthodontist serve as invaluable opportunities to assess progress, address emerging issues, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Prior to starting orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist and dentist will collaborate to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and ready to begin orthodontic tooth movement. Once you’ve started orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will see you regularly and can:

• Monitor Tooth Movement: Orthodontic treatment involves the gradual movement of teeth into their desired positions. In-person evaluations allow your orthodontist to track this progress accurately, ensuring that the treatment stays on course and adjustments are made as needed.
• Discover Complications: In-person checkups enable your orthodontist to identify signs of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and many more—even those not directly related to your treatment. 
• Provide Personalized Care: Every smile is unique, and orthodontic treatment should be tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. In-person evaluations allow your orthodontist to provide personalized care and address specific concerns. 

Plus you’ll have thirty minutes of peace while your child is getting their bite inspected. 

The Pitfalls of Remote Monitoring

In today’s digital age, remote monitoring apps and at-home aligner kits may seem like convenient alternatives to traditional orthodontic appointments. While these technologies offer convenience and flexibility, they often lack the comprehensive evaluation and hands-on care provided during in-person visits.

Self-submitted photos and blurry virtual inspections make it hard for orthodontists to identify subtle changes in the position of teeth. It’s hard to imagine there will ever be a truly effective substitute for in-person checkups. 

The Ripple Effect of Neglecting In-Person Checkups

Skipping in-person checkups with your orthodontist can have consequences that extend beyond a crooked smile. Undetected issues such as periodontal disease or tooth decay can progress unchecked, leading to more significant problems down the road, including:

• Failed Treatment: The last thing your child wants is for all their sacrifice to be pointless. Don’t let minor issues go unchecked. Orthodontic treatment depends on the health and structure of surrounding teeth. Without this foundation the treatment may not succeed. 
• Gum Disease: Orthodontic appliances can increase the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. In-person checkups allow your orthodontist to assess oral hygiene practices and intervene if necessary.
• Long-Term Health Problems: In addition to dictating your smile, the way your jaw sits can affect the way you chew, your breathing, and even cause headaches. 

Prioritize Your Oral Health Every Step of the Way

I mean really, if a patient could sit at home and receive the same level of care and attention, we wouldn’t be encouraging you to come in like this. There’s no substitute for the personalized care provided by an orthodontist during routine, in-person checkups. 

At Blossom Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we will do everything we can to make sure your child’s (or your own) teeth are protected. Schedule your next in-person checkup with us today to take the first step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.