Orthodontics: Things That Can Prolong Your Treatment Time

As a provider of orthodontics, we can help you straighten your teeth and have a beautiful smile. There are several ways to do so, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. The treatment option that is best for you will depend on the current position of your teeth and jaw, your lifestyle, budget, and the goals you have for your smile. We can examine you, take x-rays, and help you make a treatment decision. Regardless of what you select, you will be given set instructions that must be followed to keep your treatment plan on track. Failing to do so could prolong the time you spend straightening your teeth and make it more difficult overall. The good news is that we are here to help you and will work to ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. We will educate you on how to take care of your teeth and what to avoid, so you can do your best to keep things working smoothly.

Here are a few of the more common things that can prolong your total treatment time:

1.     Skipping appointments. Whether you are wearing braces or aligners, dental appointments are necessary for ensuring your treatment plan goes as scheduled. These examinations are what allows us to make any adjustments if your teeth are not moving like they should or if one tooth is being particularly stubborn. By keeping your scheduled appointments, we can help you to stay on track.
2.     Chewing on pencils or ice. If you chew or bite down on something other than food, there is a good chance you will damage a tooth. If you are wearing metal braces, this could cause you to dislodge a bracket or break a wire, and if you are wearing aligners, you could crack the plastic. Be careful to avoid putting anything inedible in your mouth, and treat your orthodontics carefully.
3.     Being lax with your oral hygiene. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is always important, especially during your orthodontics treatment. You must brush and floss your teeth throughout the day to ensure no food particles become trapped and that plaque is not building up. If you are wearing metal braces, this will take much longer than it used to, but the effort is worth it. If you develop cavities or infections while straightening your teeth, those issues will need to be dealt with, and it could prolong your treatment time.
4.     Not wearing a mouthguard. If you play sports, it is important to wear a mouthguard so your teeth do not become damaged or get knocked out after colliding with an elbow or runaway ball. This simple step can ensure there are no unnecessary delays.

As a provider of orthodontics, we will work with you to ensure that, regardless of how you straighten your teeth, the plan and treatment goes well. We will provide you with information and tips to help you throughout the process and provide the support you need.