For decades, braces have allowed people to fix their crooked or spaced teeth and bad bite. Braces are the most popular technique in orthodontics and can do much more than just improving your appearance. After receiving braces in La Crete, patients will soon realize that not only has their physical appearance improved, but so has their oral health. With that said, even though braces are an effective type of orthodontic treatment, they are not magical, and there are some things that you should know while undergoing this treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.
Never miss checkups
As part of your treatment, you will be required to visit a dental clinic in La Crete periodically. These checkups are vital for your progress since your orthodontist will be able to examine your teeth and assess your improvement. In some cases, patients don’t show much progress between appointments, and orthodontists can use other techniques to ensure that their teeth continue to shift into alignment. Failing to maintain these appointments jeopardizes your results since you won’t be under your dentist’s supervision. Also, it may result in you having to wear braces for a much longer period of time than what was initially determined.
Focus on your oral hygiene
One of the most important steps to take after acquiring braces near you is to take care of your oral hygiene by improving your oral health habits. Generally, plaque builds up around brackets easily and patients need to constantly brush their teeth to prevent this. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth after every meal, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque. Aside from the importance of preventing tooth decay and gum disease, your oral hygiene is also vital for the correct progression of your orthodontic treatment. The reason for this is that bad oral hygiene and its consequences such as gum disease, limit what your dentist can do to fix your smile. In severe cases, braces must be removed to treat the dental issue before being able to continue with orthodontic treatment. Therefore, it is vital to maintain good oral health during the entire process.
You must still see your dentist
Many patients believe that going to the orthodontist is the same as going to the dentist, and this is false. While your orthodontist focuses on the position of your teeth, or your bite, and finds ways to improve these two, they don’t treat oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Also, they don’t perform dental cleanings which are vital for your oral hygiene. Therefore, you must visit a dentist in La Crete while wearing braces. In fact, people with braces require more frequent checkups and cleanings than regular people. It is recommended to visit your dentist every three months to remove plaque and tartar and maintain the health of your teeth and mouth.
Watch what you eat
Probably the biggest lifestyle changes that people with braces have to undergo involve modifying their diets. There are many foods that patients shouldn’t eat to prevent damaging their braces and requiring dental services in La Crete. These include hard foods, such as nuts, as well as sticky candies and ice. Also, crunchy foods such as potato chips and popcorn can become lodged between your teeth and braces… and be difficult to remove.
Always follow your orthodontist’s advice
While undergoing this treatment, you should always listen to your orthodontist. For example, in some cases, they may provide you with elastic bands which significantly help with bite issues. It is your responsibility to follow your orthodontist’s advice.