How to Help Get the Best Results from Orthodontic Treatment

Misalignment of the jaws or teeth may require orthodontics to correct. Some people seek orthodontic treatment primarily for aesthetic reasons. However, misalignment can also affect your ability to eat and speak, so there are practical reasons to seek treatment as well. There are advantages to starting orthodontic treatment as a child, but you can still benefit from it even as an adult.

On average, a course of orthodontic treatment takes two years. Depending on the severity of misalignment and the type of treatment you require, your treatment time may vary. Fortunately, there are things you can do to complete your treatment on time and get the desired results, regardless of the age at which you start treatment.

Tips for getting what you want from orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment requires patience and self-discipline on your part. Generally speaking, getting the results you want means following the instructions you receive from your provider. Here are some specific examples of the instructions you can expect to receive.

Come to all your adjustment visits on schedule

A course of orthodontics starts with a treatment plan in which all treatments and adjustments happen according to a schedule. Delaying or skipping appointments could prolong your treatment time, and the end result may not be what you want.

Nevertheless, life happens. From time to time, you may have to reschedule an appointment. Just try to keep it as close to the original appointment day as possible, and be sure to make the rescheduled appointment.

Avoid certain types of food

Depending on the type of orthodontics you have, you may have to refrain from eating certain foods during treatment. You will receive a list of the foods to avoid, but they generally include the following:

• Hard foods, e.g., nuts
• Sticky foods, e.g., caramel
• Sweet foods, e.g., candy
• Foods with little pieces that can get stuck under appliances, e.g., popcorn

Eating forbidden foods during treatment may damage your orthodontic appliances. This may extend treatment time and negatively affect the final result.

Maintain good oral hygiene

It can be challenging to brush and floss your teeth when you have orthodontics. Nevertheless, it is crucially important. Plaque can collect on the exposed areas of your teeth around the brackets of your braces, for instance. This can result in something called bracket stains, which are permanent, rectangular-shaped stains that follow the shape of your brackets. You could also end up with tooth decay that has to be treated following your course of orthodontic treatment.

Ideally, you should brush your teeth three times a day during treatment and floss at least once daily. There are specially shaped tools that make brushing and flossing with orthodontics easier.

Ask questions

For your treatment to be successful, you need to follow the instructions closely. If you receive instructions that you do not fully understand, ask for clarification.

Conclusion

Successful orthodontic treatment requires some small sacrifices on your part. However, following the instructions you are given helps you get the results you want in as little time as possible.

Request an appointment here: https://siegertdental.com or call Siegert Dental at (608) 394-3943 for an appointment in our Onalaska office.

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