What is your office’s protocol for teenagers in ortho treatment? Do you have all of your braces patients on 4-month recalls and prescription fluoride? I recently started at a new office and the front desk seemed surprised when I recommended this.
We do a 3 month ortho recare for teens & adults. If good hygiene then 4 months, if excellent hygiene then 6 months. The excellent ortho patient is rare! Lol
All of the above. I think some orthodontists need to be more proactive when OH is lacking.
Honestly, I think that’s a great suggestion. Some patients request a shorter recall but I usually just extend their appointment time (around 50-60 minutes) because let’s face it, teenagers don’t take care of their braces!
I totally agree with everyone above. You need that 3 month recall for these kids because its hard to keep those areas clean.
I 100% agree 3-4 month recalls! I don’t think that there is a protocol for this at my office.
However I recommended a 4 mo recall for a 16 year old male, the receptionist said “your insurance covers 2 cleanings a year, so this 4 month recall will come out of your pocket, are you sure that you want to do that?” The kid obviously said no. ::face palm::
4 mo recare with fluoride Rx is best. But I have to agree with Kbdh; I have many who won’t due it because of out of pocket costs. We also have patients coordinate with ortho to remove wires for x-rays annually.
We treat it case by case. I have some ortho patients who just use OTC fl rinses and can be maintained on 6mrc but I have some who I have on 3mrc and on prescription toothpaste or mi paste.
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