We use orthodontics to straighten our patients' teeth and to align their jaw. If you are tired of having a crooked smile, call and schedule an examination. We can physically examine your teeth and take x-rays to determine their position and then discuss the various options available to you. Whether you decide to get traditional metal braces with brackets and wires or you use clear aligners to straighten your teeth, they operate using the same principle. Pressure is applied to specific teeth to move them into position gradually. When you are ready to get started, we will provide you with specific instructions to follow so your treatment plan can stay on schedule.
We have found there are a few habits that can delay your treatment plan and cause you to need orthodontics longer. Here are those you should avoid:
Chewing on ice. In the summer, ice might be good to cool you off, but it is terrible for your teeth, especially when wearing braces or aligners. Ice can cause your brackets and wires to move out of place or break. It can also cause your aligners to crack. Avoid chewing on anything not edible, so you can keep your treatment plan on schedule.
Missing oral hygiene. It is always important to brush and floss your teeth, but even more so while undergoing an orthodontics treatment. If you are wearing braces, food and plaque can become trapped around your brackets and in between your teeth more easily. If you are wearing aligners and fail to brush your teeth after eating, you can also be trapping food and bacteria. To prevent cavities, infection, and a delay in your treatment, brush your teeth every time you eat.
Skipping your appointments. We recommend you keep up with your office visits because it is important for keeping everything on track. If you miss your appointments, it will be difficult for us to identify if anything is not moving like it should or if adjustments need to be made. Visiting our office on a regular schedule will allow us to make any incremental changes as they are necessary, so you can keep your teeth moving appropriately.
Grinding your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, you could chip or crack your natural teeth and your restorations. This can cause you to need to have your teeth fixed, delaying your treatment and prolonging your total treatment time. Additionally, grinding your teeth can lead to jaw, face, and neck pain, so it is important to wear a night guard if you are grinding your teeth on a regular basis.
As a provider of orthodontics, we can provide you with a variety of tips on how to keep your teeth moving into the right positions and keep your treatment plan on time and on schedule. If you have any concerns along the way, let us know so we can help you get the beautiful smile you are looking for.
