Had my first dental checkup since starting Invisalign. While generally a positive checkup, as expected, there was more tartar around my teeth than usual. As much as I brush, floss and rinse, there is no escaping that having aligners covering my teeth 22 hours a day creates an environment conducive to dental problems. I suspect many Invisalign wearers end up with cavities or gum issues in the short term.
More concerning is that the dentist said he saw some possible bone loss on a molar. He said this was not unexpected due to the combination of my age (42) plus orthodontic treatment. He suggested I get a panoramic x-ray from my orthodontist and see if I need to see a periodontist - might need some bone filler. This is discouraging - I brush and floss and fluoride rinse diligently, and began taking calcium supplements when I began treatment. Not sure what else I could have dome to prevent this.
Will discuss further after my next ortho appointment in 3 weeks.
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Sounds awful, man. So how did the check up go? Well, brushing and flossing are fundamental, but these aren't enough to remove all the food bits and tartar that can accumulate on your teeth. A regular deep cleaning session with the dentist at least once a year will ensure that your teeth are as clean as a whistle.
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