DS getting a brace - should he see hygenist before?

[tactum]

This has just occurred to me. DS (12) having final treatment plan appointment back end of this month and then the orthodontist said appointment to fit would be very soon after.

DS has gone for it rather with the sweets over Christmas, as he's then got 18 months of most of his favourite treats being banned.

He's never been referred to a hygenist before, so obviously doesn't brush terribly. But I'm just thinking should I get his teeth professionally cleaned so when the brace goes on they're in as good a shape as possible? I know I'd have to pay which is fine.

Did anyone else do this, or am I being paranoid?

It is likely the orthodontist will give them a bit of a clean before putting brace on. My Dd always gets a bit of cleaning from her ortho if she needs it.

Hygienists appointments are rarely wasted. It's so incredibly important to clean really well when braces are fitted that I'd see it as an investment in education rather than "a clean" although you'll get a clean as well.

Ds's orthodontist gave his teeth a thorough clean before fitting his brace.

the orthodontist doesn't clean them every day though... if the child is cleaning correctly,the orthodontist shouldn't need to do a clean. The hygienist will educate and demonstrate how to maintain them. After all, even if you see the orthodontist once a month, that's 30odd days of decay and gum disease and demineralisation each month if they're not maintained correctly.

She showed DS how to clean his brace,he became very good friends with disclosing tablets

Hahaa. Everyone should have a go with them every now and then!! Brilliant invention

The two coloured ones are fab!