Photo by Rainier Ridao on Unsplash
Anyone who wears braces is enthusiastic to get them off as soon as possible. While there’s no magical way to fix your teeth, there are ways to speed up your orthodontic treatment. The following tips will help you get the most from your orthodontic treatment in as little time as possible.
Watch What You Eat
It’s hard to follow the strict food rules that come with orthodontic appliances. At the same time, it is entirely worth the trouble. There isn’t a hard, crunchy, or sticky food that is worth the setback it can cause in your treatment. Not only can a loose bracket or wire really hurt your mouth, but it also means your braces will take longer to do their job. For this reason, try very hard to stay away from those tempting treats (yes, even on holidays!) so that your orthodontic treatment can do its work.
Protect Your Teeth (and Braces)
Protecting your teeth and orthodontic appliances includes a couple of steps. First, proper hygiene is essential. Be sure to brush regularly and not too harshly. Also, clean any brackets and wires carefully and well. Secondly, if you or your child play any sports, be sure to use a mouthguard. This is absolutely necessary to protect your teeth and mouth from damage. Additionally, this protects your orthodontic appliances from being bent or damaged.
Follow Doctor’s Orders
It may sound obvious, but whatever treatment your orthodontist prescribes, follow through with it. It’s easy to make excuses at home and not wear your rubber bands all the time or forget your retainer. This is a big component to shortening orthodontic treatment. By following your orthodontist’s guidelines, you get a cohesive and effective course of treatment. If you choose to be inconsistent or incomplete, then your treatment will take much longer.
Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly
Regular visits with your orthodontist are important to ensure that your teeth are responding well to treatment. These appointments are also where we make adjustments to your appliances and the overall treatment plan. By checking your progress and replacing your wires, we keep you on track for getting your braces off ASAP. However, if you don’t schedule appointments or don’t keep them, your treatment will be drawn out and take far longer.
No one gets braces and hopes to keep them for a long time. Orthodontic appliances are a means to an end, putting you on the fast track to the straight and beautiful smile of your dreams. By following the tips above, you can streamline your orthodontic experience and get your braces off before you know it, saving yourself time and money. Looking for an excellent orthodontist in the greater Columbus, Ohio area? Be sure to check out James Karpac, who specializes in orthodontics for adults and children.