Oral Hygiene Class

Click here to watch our Hygiene Class video. (Please allow a few minutes for it to download.)

 

Decalcification and Braces

Although braces can create many good results, there can be some negative side effects to the teeth if oral hygiene is neglected. Chalky white permanent marks or decalcification can occur if plaque accumulates on teeth for extended periods of time. Braces require consistent and thorough maintenance in order to avoid these problems.

Four Cleanings Per Year

Since 1999, Waugh and Allen has promoted a formal program for better oral health while a patient undergoes orthodontic treatment. Before its inception, it became apparent that patients needed additional help maintaining good oral hygiene while in braces. In collaboration with local area dentists and hygienists, a more aggressive professional hygiene regimen was created for all orthodontic patients to increase the frequency of their cleanings to four times per year. The Athens area dental community wholeheartedly endorses this recommendation.

Brite Brace™ Care

Our new office at the Exchange Healthcare Center was built around the concept of eliminating dental decay and scarring in conjunction with orthodontic care. That is our goal, and with the patient’s help we will succeed. So, at almost every scheduled appointment one of our registered dental hygienists uses a special air polisher on your front teeth. In addition, if any special oral hygiene products can benefit your care, she will make them available to you. After all, no one knows how to have prettier, healthier smiles than dental hygienists! You can see a Brite Brace Care demonstration HERE:
Brite Brace™ Care Video

Benefits of the Program

• Greater emphasis on oral hygiene instruction and care.
• Decreased chances of decalcification.
• Increased effectiveness of the cleaning by removing archwires as needed.
• More complete monitoring of oral hygiene while in treatment.

Meet Tracy Vitug

Tracy Vitug graduated from Gainesville College/Lanier Technical Institute as a registered hygienist in 1999 with an Associate of Applied Science degree. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honors Society and the American Dental Hygiene Association.

Tracy began her orthodontic career in 1996 as a Waugh and Allen orthodontic assistant. Because she continued to work for our office while in hygiene school, it gave her the unique opportunity to blend these two fields. After giving several presentations to dental groups on the importance of a hygienist working in the orthodontic practice, Tracy was able to showcase studies to support her theory.

Following graduation, Tracy rejoined our practice where she developed and organized the hygiene department and our advanced dental hygiene program whose main purpose is to ensure the healthiest orthodontic result possible by promoting excellent oral hygiene for our patients. Tracy makes every effort to guarantee the program is up to date with the latest in dental health care through personal research and continuing education.

Tracy and her husband, Marty, live in Commerce, GA, with their daughter, Myca.