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Having braces installed means that there will be additional risk areas where bacteria will gather to “build” plaque. These are the nooks and crannies under the ligature, around the brackets, etc. Remember that poor hygiene is the first step to a long list of dental diseases, among which caries is hardly the most harmless.
Preparing for braces is a serious undertaking that includes the following procedures:
- Panoramic radiograph;
- Hormone testing (if necessary);
- Treatment of any existing tooth and gum disease;
- Removal of tartar;
- Professional hygienic cleaning by a dentist;
- Remineralization or fluoridation (if necessary);
- Removal of “extra” teeth, often symmetrical (if necessary).
The last point is indicated in order to evenly place all the teeth on a short jaw, or to make the facial oval more beautiful and harmonious. In some cases, tooth extraction, which is indicated for treatment with metal braces, can be avoided by using self-ligating systems, such as Damon Q, for correction.