Why It Is Important for an Orthodontist to Monitor Teeth Straightening Treatment

The orthodontist plays an important role in the teeth straightening process for patients. Their part consists of ensuring successful treatment, making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, checking and detecting signs of oral health concerns, and helping with teeth straightening aftercare.

The role of the orthodontist during teeth straightening treatment

Teeth straightening is not as simple a process as it may seem. Without the help of an orthodontist, patients could run into certain roadblocks along the way that require professional orthodontic assistance. This review discusses the specific role that orthodontists play in teeth straightening treatment.

Ensure successful treatment

Teeth straightening treatment has certain complexities, and many things could go wrong. However, orthodontists are there every step of the way to ensure desirable and long-lasting results and to prevent any setbacks with the established treatment plan.

Tighten braces or provide new clear aligners

The purpose of regular visits with the orthodontist during teeth straightening treatment is to tighten braces or provide the patient with new clear aligners, depending on the type of teeth straightening treatment. This is necessary because, as teeth begin to shift into their proper position, the orthodontic devices must be switched out to continue the treatment appropriately.

Make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan

There are numerous possible setbacks that patients could face during teeth straightening treatment. An orthodontist can minimize the risk of setbacks by detecting concerns as early as possible and making the necessary adjustments to the treatment. Without monitoring from the orthodontist, many issues could otherwise go undetected and affect the timeline of teeth straightening or lead to less desirable results.

Detect any oral health concerns during treatment

Patients going through teeth straightening are often at a higher risk of developing oral health concerns. Bacteria and food particles can get trapped in the orthodontic devices (either clear aligners trays or braces) and increase the risk of teeth stains or damage to the teeth enamel. However, this is generally a slow process, and orthodontists can notice the early signs of oral health concerns and provide the necessary treatment to ensure that enamel is not harmed.

Ensure that teeth do not shift after teeth straightening treatment

One of the biggest concerns that orthodontists deal with is teeth shifting after teeth straightening treatment is complete. Since the jaw is malleable for a while after teeth shift from orthodontic treatment, there is a risk of teeth moving back to their original positions. An orthodontist can provide a retainer and monitor the aftercare process to help ensure that the results from treatment last for the long term.