Your smile is unique, and we’re dedicated to making sure your treatment is comfortable and efficient. We’re thrilled to be on this orthodontic journey with you, and we’re here to provide you with the utmost care and support. Let us help you a little more with some critical tips to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Scroll further to learn how to get more out of your orthodontic treatment.
Steer Clear Of Certain Foods And Drinks
Brace yourself for some diet changes. New appliances mean new rules, especially when it comes to what you eat and drink. The goal is to protect any new devices you have, which means you’ll have to block off some potential favorite snacks, but don’t worry; it’s not forever!
Hard and Crunchy Foods
Some braces, like ceramic braces, can be particularly fragile. To make sure your wires and brackets stay safe, you should be careful when biting into hard foods like ice, pretzels, or apples.
Sugary and Starchy Foods
Food and drinks with contents high in sugar or heavy in starch can create plaque buildup around braces. Plaque can create stains on your teeth, cavities, and even gum disease.
Sticky and Acidic Foods
It’s a common rule to avoid caramel treats or gum, but there are other sticky or acidic foods to steer clear of. Sticky foods can pull important pieces out of place, which could require an emergency visit back to your orthodontist. But that’s not all; acidic foods and drinks like pineapple or soda can attack the enamel on your teeth, paving the way for cavities.
No one likes changing their diets, but when it comes to crafting your perfect smile, cutting out some key foods and drinks can make all the difference.
Pay Attention To Your Oral Hygiene
New braces are a big milestone, but the journey to a glowing smile has only just begun. Although you’ve been brushing your teeth since you were young, cleaning new dental appliances can take some getting used to. Your new appliance comes with new rules to follow, and we’ve broken them down to help you take care of your braces or clear aligners.
Invisalign: Just like braces, making sure to brush and floss your teeth makes a world of difference. Unlike braces, removing your aligner opens new doorways for bacteria and plaque buildup. Brushing and cleaning your aligners keeps them in top shape so that you can use them more safely for longer periods of time. Remember, after removing your aligners to eat or drink, cleaning your teeth before putting them back in is imperative to the success of your treatment plan.
Braces: Regular brushing and flossing will help prevent the staining of your teeth from braces and plaque formation. Depending on what your orthodontist recommends, adding an interdental toothbrush, using a floss threader, or even rinsing your mouth out with water after a meal can help loosen and clean debris in hard-to-reach places. Plus, staying on top of your oral hygiene can help you avoid common dental issues that can delay your treatment.
Don’t miss an orthodontic appointment
Don’t let a single appointment get lost in your busy schedule. Our goal is to make sure your treatment is as effective as possible. However, missing an appointment can prolong your treatment and can even harm your results. You want the best for your smile, and we want to help you achieve it, so keeping on track with your appointments is critical for your orthodontic success.
Routine appointments ensure your treatment stays on course, allowing your orthodontist to check and analyze your teeth’s progress. Regular office visits will enable us to make any tweaks to your treatment, answer any questions you might have, and double-check that you’re following your plan.
Depending on your plan, you can expect the following at each appointment:
- We will provide you with a new set of aligners as your teeth shift between appointments.
- We will replace your elastic bands as the old ones lose their effectiveness.
- We will tighten the wires around your braces, keeping your progress on track.
Follow The Instructions From Your Orthodontist
Getting that shiny new smile can sometimes be a bumpy ride, but trust us; it’s worth it. Not keeping to your orthodontist’s instructions can bring on problems, from broken wires and popped-off brackets to cavities and gum disease, but trusting your orthodontist will take the guesswork out of your treatment plan.
Whether you have regular braces or Invisalign aligners, you’ll have a treatment plan tailor-made just for you. Remembering which rules to follow, such as keeping up with your dietary restrictions, showing up for your appointments, and maintaining a top-notch oral hygiene routine, makes sure you’re on track. We’ll provide all the information you need to help you stay active and comfortable during your treatment. Remember, we give you the plan, but it’s up to you to make it happen. If at any time you have any questions or concerns, we highly encourage you to discuss them with your orthodontist. After all, honesty is the best policy!
Creating smiles, one step at a time
Staying on top of all your new responsibilities for your treatment can be challenging, but having a cheat sheet from the pros always helps. At Bennett Orthodontics, we want you to have a comfortable atmosphere while you receive your customized plan. Our orthodontist, Dr. Bennett, and our talented team are ready to help you make a positive difference in your life. If you’re ready, give us a call or visit our website to schedule your first free consultation.
