If you are one of the millions of people who are going through orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering how to make the most of it.
Orthodontics can be a great way to improve your smile and your confidence, but it’s important to make sure that you are using it to its full potential —because it doesn’t come cheap.
In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to get the most out of your orthodontics!
1. Start by aligning your jaw
Beginning orthodontic care with a TMJ splint, or night guard, is one of the best ways to encourage optimal jaw alignment and get the most out of your braces treatment.
While oftentimes it doesn’t seem necessary (and for many it may not be), this bite appliance helps the muscles and ligaments that control the position of your jaw come into better balance and can decrease stresses on developing teeth.
This can result in fewer problems during adjustment phases when you’re wearing braces, allowing you to enjoy healthier orthodontic progress. If you’re unsure whether or not a TMJ splint or night guard is right for you, make sure to visit JS Dental Lab to learn more.Â
2. Take care of your teeth
It’s true: brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly are the first steps to a successful orthodontic treatment. After all, maintaining good oral hygiene helps ensure that your teeth and gums are strong and healthy enough to withstand the stresses of braces or other orthodontic treatments.
Furthermore, with regular brushing and flossing you can remove the plaque or tartar buildup that can lead to cavities —which is the last thing you want to deal with while going through orthodontic treatment.
While the orthodontist is responsible for putting on braces, checking them each visit, and ultimately removing them when the job is done, it is up to you to make sure that your teeth and gums stay in great shape while they’re on!
So don’t forget: maintain good oral hygiene and take care of your teeth now —it’ll pay off greatly in the future when you have an amazing smile thanks to your successful orthodontic treatment!
3. Be careful of certain foods
Eating certain foods can really set back your orthodontic treatment. So, if you’re looking to get the most out of your investment in braces, it’s key to avoid certain types of food.Â
Crusty and crunchy items, for instance, can easily damage braces and pry them loose from their brackets. Sticky substances like caramel and gum can also cause problems with brackets and wires coming off unexpectedly!
On top of that, hard candy or nuts put extra strain on brackets and wires. Try not to give in to temptation —sometimes it’s actually a much better idea to forgo the gummy worms, and opt for something less risky!
That said, if your dentist suggests any dietary restrictions during your orthodontic treatment be sure to stick to their advice because it’s ultimately up to you to ensure optimal results.
4. Never miss an appointment
Missing appointments can really set you back when it comes to your orthodontic treatment. The success of this type of treatment relies on regular check-ins and adjustments.
That means that missing one could mean having to start from scratch (in some cases). In more common cases, missing appointments will only slow the entire process and delay your pristine smile even further.
However, if you make a commitment to never miss an appointment, then you can be sure that you are getting the most out of your treatment and achieving the results that you really want!
It does take some dedication and commitment (especially if your schedule can sometimes be unpredictable), but the rewards speak for themselves in the end. Plus, there are plenty of great tools like reminder notifications to help you stay on top of it all.
5. Follow your orthodontist’s instructionsÂ
When it comes to orthodontics, following the instructions of your orthodontist is key to getting the smile you’ve always wanted. Failing to wear your retainers or elastics can lead to lost progress and extra time in the chair, which nobody wants!
A good attitude towards wearing your appliances as prescribed and keeping them clean will help you get the most out of each visit. As you know, it’s also critical that you attend all your scheduled visits; this way, if any adjustments need to be made to your treatment plan, they can be done right away.
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Conclusion
It’s important to remember that in order to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment, you must take care of your teeth and follow all the instructions from your orthodontist. Be sure to avoid certain types of food, never miss an appointment, and be patient with the process —this way you can ensure successful results and achieve a gorgeous smile! With the right attitude and commitment, you can make sure that your investment in braces will pay off in the end.
