Tips to Ensure the Success of Your Orthodontic Treatment
Posted on: 19 January 2017
Having straight teeth and the proper bite is essential to a healthy smile. If you have crooked teeth, orthodontic treatment could help correct the problem so you can avert dental complications and have an improved smile. To ensure the success of the treatment, you will need to care for your braces and take follow-up measures after the braces are removed. Read on for a guide on how to get the best out of orthodontic treatment and better your smile for life.
Care for your braces
The trays in your braces often provide a lot of spaces for food debris to get trapped in. It is therefore important to brush and floss around the braces so as to prevent the buildup of plaque that can cause periodontal disease, tooth decay and bad breath. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that won't wear out the braces and rinse your teeth with mouthwash to help fight off bacteria beneath the braces.
You should also be careful about what you eat if you are to preserve the integrity of your braces. Hard and chewy candies such as gummy bears, peppermints, and caramels can not only increase the risk of cavities but also damage your delicate braces. A good alternative to such candies would be ice cream with low sugar, as it is essentially soft and high in enamel-strengthening nutrients.
Instead of indulging in crunchy fruits such as apples and pears that can wear out your braces, switch to soft fruits such as melons or bananas. Raw vegetables such as carrots that are often hard to crunch into with braces can also be replaced with cooked veggies, soups, or even mashed potatoes. Additionally, consider easing off on crunchy breads or hard pretzels and replace them with softer breads or pasta.
Wear your retainer
It is wrong to assume that your orthodontic treatment ends when your braces are removed. You will generally need to keep wearing a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting again.
Retainers are typically devices that resemble braces that are worn at night after braces are removed. These devices can be worn for an extended period to help maintain straight teeth and a beautiful smile.
Do not stop wearing your retainer until your orthodontist recommends that you do so. You should also schedule regular dental checkups so your retainer can be examined and replaced if no longer effective or comfortable. Retainers that don't form a snug fit can injure your teeth or contribute to tooth shifting, necessitating that you wear braces once more. Be sure to also brush the retainer on a daily basis to maintain proper dental hygiene.
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