Orthodontic treatment is a big investment, both in time and money. Whether you are about to get braces or you already have them, it is important that you maximize the results of your orthodontic treatment.

Here are four ways to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment.

Four Ways to Optimize Your Orthodontic Treatment

1. Practice good oral hygiene

While everyone should brush and floss regularly for a healthy smile, it is especially important that people with braces practice good oral hygiene. Food particles and bacteria can form a difficult to see layer of plaque on teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing helps everyone avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and other common dental problems, but braces can complicate oral hygiene. This means people who have braces must be more diligent about practicing good oral hygiene.  

Use products designed for people with braces. A number of products are now available to make practicing good oral hygiene easier for people with braces. Specially designed interdental toothbrushes can clean beneath and around the wires and brackets of braces. There are also fluoride containing mouth rinses that can help fortify the enamel.

Flossing takes time and requires patience, even without braces. Special floss threaders get in and around the nooks and crannies where food and bacteria hide, even along the gum line and under brackets and wires.

It is best if you brush at least twice per day, for at least two minutes at a time.  It is also best to floss every night before you go to bed.

2. Wear your retainer as directed

Once our orthodontist removes your braces, you enter the final phase of your orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists refer to this stage as the retention phase. During this phase, the focus is on holding your teeth in their new positions with the use of retainers. Failing to wear retainers as directed will almost certainly allow unwanted tooth movement. This would decrease the value of the investment you have made in your smile.

Retainers are to be removed prior to brushing and flossing.  The retainers should also be brushed and rinsed prior to replacing them.

3. Wear your extra appliances as directed by your orthodontist

Your orthodontist creates a personalized treatment plan to give you the straightest, most functional teeth possible. Orthodontists sometimes direct patients to wear extra appliances, such as rubber bands to help correct the teeth and bite. Many patients do not follow the instructions regarding their extra appliances, unfortunately, and therefore do not get the most out of their orthodontic treatment. This neglect can result in lengthier treatment times and less than ideal results.

Dr. Reddick will give you specific instructions on how to wear appliances, as needed. Be sure to ask questions and express concerns so that you can get the most out of wearing these appliances.

4. Talk to your orthodontist if you have questions, concerns or problems with your braces

Get the most out of your orthodontic treatment by consulting with your orthodontist if you experience discomfort, irritation, problems, or broken braces. Be sure to ask questions if you do not understand something. Speak with Dr. Reddick or one of our staff members to make sure you are getting the most out of your treatment. Your smile is important to us!

For more ideas on how to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment, speak with one of the orthodontic professionals at Melbourne Orthodontics in Melbourne, Florida. Learning a few tips can help you optimize your orthodontic care and get the best smile possible.