Although wearing braces will give you a gorgeous smile, most people don’t relish the idea of orthodontic treatment. Most of the time, the goal is to finish the process as quickly as possible. When you have braces, you can’t do much to shorten the time frame, but by following these tips, you can keep your progress on target to finish treatment in a timely manner.
Keep your teeth clean – Having braces makes your teeth and gums more susceptible to plaque and tartar build up. Electronic toothbrushes remove the food and bacteria more efficiently than manual toothbrushes. Healthier gums may promote faster movement of your teeth, so visit your family dentist for checkups and cleanings as well.
Stay away from food that will damage braces – Hard foods like nuts and popcorn or soft candy like taffy can cause brackets and wires to break, which may stop desired movement or result in a relapse. To avoid prolonging your treatment, avoid these foods all together.
Wear rubber bands as directed – If your orthodontist adds rubber bands or head gear to your treatment plan, do yourself a favor and actually wear them. Although these devices aren’t fun, treatment will last longer if you don’t follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Have a supply of rubbers close by, in a purse or car, so you can put them in wherever you are.
Don’t miss your appointments with the orthodontist – Your orthodontist schedules adjustments at regular intervals to check your progress and keep teeth movement on track. When you miss appointments, alignment may stall until you go back in for the planned adjustments.
