Although it’s the start of “Spooky Season,” there are few things more terrifying than the development of oral health problems like gum (or periodontal) disease and cavities. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) celebrates National Dental Hygiene Month this October to advocate for healthy teeth and gums.
What is dental hygiene?
Dental hygiene, or oral hygiene, is the practice of keeping your mouth clean and free of disease. You can practice good dental hygiene at home by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, drinking plenty of water, and eating healthy foods.
Fun fact: Chewing sugar-free gum can also be beneficial!
Another key part of good oral health is visiting the dentist every six months. During these appointments, dentists examine patients’ smiles for oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Then, dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar from the teeth with a thorough dental cleaning and apply fluoride to the teeth.
During these appointments, dentists and dental hygienists offer tips and advice on how to maintain a good oral health to avoid cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and more.
Orthodontic Treatment for a Healthy Smile
One approach that dentists employ is orthodontic treatment to help their patients achieve a cleaner, healthier mouth. Straight teeth are easier to clean and remove plaque from. Also, the bacterial plaque has more places to hide in crowded teeth, which often gets missed when brushing. In consequence, plaque buildup can result in oral health issues like tooth decay, gum infection, and gum disease.
Orthosnap Clear Aligners
For those who need extra help achieving a straighter smile, Orthosnap crafts customized, discreet aligners that not only look great but provide various benefits to the patient throughout treatment and support healthy mouths.
To honor National Dental Hygiene Month, here are three ways that clear aligner treatment promotes excellent oral health when compared to fixed orthodontic appliances:
1. Less Likely to Develop Periodontal Disease
An expected consequence of bacterial plaque accumulation is gum disease. Traditional, fixed orthodontic appliances (braces) can make removing plaque and bacteria between teeth, brackets, and wires challenging.
In contrast, one advantage that clear aligners have over fixed oral appliances is that they are removable. After a person removes their aligners, they have direct access to the crevices between their teeth and gums.
According to a study published by BMC Oral Health, those who wore clear aligners had significantly healthier gingival health conditions and greater satisfaction when compared to those with fixed oral appliances. Also, patients who choose clear aligners can have more straightforward dental hygiene procedures, similar to their pre-orthodontic lifestyle.
Nonetheless, people with braces can still have healthy gums and teeth with stringent, thorough dental hygiene routines and routine cleaning from a dental hygienist.
2. Virtually Unchanged Diet
Certain foods are off-limits while wearing fixed orthodontic appliances because they can get trapped, damage the braces, and deteriorate dental hygiene. With clear aligners, people can still enjoy seasonal delights (such as apples, kettle corn, and more).
Researchers surveyed patient satisfaction with a clear alignment system in an article published by the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Patients noticed significant improvements in eating and chewing categories because they can remove aligners before meals and snacks.
3. Easy to Clean and Maintain
Braces can pose a challenge for patients when cleaning their teeth. Patients are encouraged to use interdental toothbrushes to carefully clean under wires and between orthodontic brackets.
On the other hand, patients with clear aligners maintain optimal oral hygiene in the following steps:
- Rinse with cool water.
- Clean with antibacterial soap or clear aligner cleaner.
- Brush and floss before placing them back in the mouth.
Also, Orthosnap’s Verification Key™ aligner is composed of a thicker material and can only be fitted at the doctor’s office. Dentists and dental hygienists can take advantage of this feature and check their patient’s gum and teeth status. Orthosnap requires patients to visit their provider every 8th step to continue treatment.
Become an Orthosnap Partner Today
Want to help your patients achieve optimal oral health? A healthy mouth begins with straight teeth, and the key to straight teeth is an effective clear aligner system. National Dental Hygiene Month is the perfect time to become an Orthosnap partner.
When you work with Orthosnap, you and your patients benefit. Orthosnap provides everything patients and doctors need for a seamless experience for both parties. Our services include:
- Comprehensive consultations with our representatives
- 24/7 customer service
- Training and product updates
- Online portal for case tracking
- Customized plans with objectives set by the practice
- Marketing support
- Custom packaging
- Educational materials for doctors and patients
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your dental practice. Contact our team today at (516) 506-7606 to learn more.