An orthodontist is the person who will fit you with braces. Now that you have them, you might be wondering how to take care of them. It is important to make sure that you are properly maintaining your braces. An orthodontist provides the necessary information about what it is like to live with this teeth straightening treatment.
Orthodontic treatment is a partnership between the orthodontist and the patient receiving the treatment. The orthodontist provides the expertise, the treatment plan and the braces themselves. However, it is the patient who is necessary for a successful treatment. Following the orthodontist’s instructions can mean the difference between failure and success.
Patients need to stay away from food that can damage the braces and lengthen treatment time. People in braces should avoid sticky foods, hard candies, very hard food and hard objects like pencils. Additionally, patients should cut meat from the bone, cut corn off the cob, remove pits from fruits and cut up hard fruits and vegetables.
When first wearing braces, a person might notice that their teeth and mouth are tender or sore. This is normal for someone who has just received the braces, and the discomfort will fade. An orthodontist may recommend over-the-counter pain medications for the first few days. It is common for a patient to have irritation in the lips, cheeks and tongue for one to two weeks. These areas need to toughen and acclimate to the braces. Orthodontists may supply wax to put over braces, which can lessen any irritation.
It is normal for teeth to feel loose and wiggly. The braces must first loosen the teeth, so they can move into the correct position in the mouth. Once the teeth are in the right spots, there will be no more looseness.
If the appliance becomes damaged, it can lengthen treatment time. The teeth and jaw cannot move into the proper position unless the patient wears the headgear, elastics, retainer and any other appliances prescribed by the orthodontist.
With braces, it is necessary to brush and floss every time a patient eats. This will keep a person’s teeth and gums healthy throughout the treatment time. If a patient does not understand the proper way to brush with braces, an orthodontist can demonstrate the right technique.
It is still possible for patients to continue playing sports even with braces. It is recommended that the patient wear a mouthguard to better protect the dental appliance and their teeth from any impact. If the appliance becomes damaged while playing sports, it is important to call the orthodontist immediately.
Having braces does not have to affect your life too much. Avoid specific foods and follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Then you will have a better chance at success with this teeth straightening treatment. Remember the facts about wearing braces and have some patience. Oh, and prepare yourself for a straighter smile.
Request an appointment here: https://family-braces.com or call Family-Braces LLC at (770) 406-0046 for an appointment in our Canton office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontist in Canton, GA.
Typing “braces near me” into a search bar often marks the first real step toward straighter teeth. This search term can easily pull up pages of orthodontic options in just a few seconds. For many families, that long list can feel confusing at first. Knowing how to find the right information online can turn an…
Moving to a new city can be an exciting adventure but also a stressful and overwhelming experience. One of the challenges of moving to a new city is finding a new orthodontist for yourself or your family, whether for first-time or continued treatment. Depending on the size of the new community, there may be a…
There are several compelling reasons to find an orthodontist for fixing crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth—and they are not all cosmetic. Yes, having a straight smile is attractive, but the benefits do not stop there. Here is a closer look at some key reasons to find an orthodontist for teeth straightening.Many dentists will offer teeth…
Whether a patient is new in town or simply trying to find an orthodontist accepting new patients, they can maximize their chance of finding a great provider by looking in the right places. Search options include word-of-mouth, performing searches online, and reading social media reviews.Patients should avoid a gap in care after moving to a…