Orthodontics can lead to a beautiful and healthy smile, but the process requires a large commitment of money and time. Make the most of your orthodontics treatment by following a few helpful tips when wearing braces or Invisaligns, says the staff at Milestone Orthodontics, a top orthodontist near Hackensack, New Jersey.
Find a treatment plan that is best for you. Milestone Orthodontics can help you choose the perfect orthodontics procedure, whether it be traditional metal braces, clear braces or Invisalign, for your lifestyle. Invisalign is a good option for many paitents from Hackensack, New Jersey, because they are removable and easy to clean, unlike clear braces, which can require more careful maintenance and can be easier to stain and break.
Because Invisaligns are removable, patients are able to follow more standard brushing and flossing procedures. Dental hygiene is important to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but cleaning your teeth and gums can be a challenge when you have orthodontic treatment like braces. According to Milestone Orthodontics, Peroxyl, a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse, can reduce inflammation in the gums and cheeks, which can often become irritated by braces. Special products like an interdental toothbrush, such as Proxibrush, can help you clean underneath and around dental wires and brackets. Special floss threaders can make it easier for orthodontics patients to get in around tight spaces under brackets and wires where food particles and bacteria can get trapped.
Milestone Orthodontics tells its patients from Hackensack, New Jersey, to avoid certain foods while wearing braces. Hard foods can break or damage orthodontics work. Ice, nuts, hard taco shells, French bread, corn on the cob, apples, raw carrots, bagels, chips, Jolly Ranchers and pizza crust all can wreak havoc. Sticky foods like licorice, gum, taffy, toffee, Starburst and caramels can get caught between brackets and wires. Sugary foods, which promote tooth decay, also need to be avoided. The staff at Milestone Orthodontics suggested limiting sweetened drinks, including soda, tea and energy drinks to one serving per day.
Not wearing appliances as directed can end up costing patients more money and extend the treatment period. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, following your orthodontist’s directions, including wearing extra appliances as directed, is crucial to your success. Rubber bands (elastics), spacers, turn key palatal expanders and headgear are all important to your treatment, according to Milestone Orthodontics.
Keeping routine appointments is part of the process. Missed appointments can set back treatment, which will extend both the time and the cost. Milestone Orthodontics works with its Hackensack, New Jersey, patients to check on their progress and make adjustments to appliances. If you notice any bent or loose wires at any time, The team at Milestone Orthodontics suggests making an immediate appointment for repair.
Once your braces have been removed, you will enter retention, the final phase of the orthodontic treatment. Patients wear a retainer to hold the teeth in their new position. Without a retainer, the teeth may shift back into their original positions, which can further delay treatment, according to the staff at Milestone Orthodontics near Hackensack, New Jersey.
