Avoiding delays during your orthodontic treatment

Our patients hate the thought of delaying their treatment time and often ask us what they can do in-between their adjustment visits to avoid having a setback. Today, we thought we would provide some tips on how you can stay on track in regards to your treatment plan time.

The first thing we want you to do is keep your adjustment appointments. Each of your visits while you are undergoing treatment is carefully planned to move your teeth a specific way in a certain time frame. It is critical to note that missing an appointment can add weeks, if not months, to your overall treatment time.

Next, we want you to let us know right away if your experience any problems with your braces or appliances. A missing wire, rubber band, or broken bracket can delay treatment time, so we ask that you please give us a call right away to report any issues rather than waiting until your next visit. We are committed to get you into the practice to address and resolve any issues as soon as feasible.

Make sure you wear your rubber bands as prescribed. Most, if not all, of our patients will need to wear elastics or rubber bands at some point during their treatment. Like missing your adjustment appointments, not wearing the bands or elastics, or not wearing them enough, can slow down the treatment process and cost you valuable treatment time. Rubber bands play a key role in aligning your bite and are essential for the bite-fixing phase of your treatment.

Finally, we want you to maintain good oral hygiene, just as you did before your treatment began. In addition to flossing regularly, we encourage you to brush your teeth several times a day. Not brushing will allow sugar to wear away the cement on the braces, rendering them inadequate in moving your teeth, as well as elevate your risk of developing cavities or tooth decay, which will inevitably delay valuable treatment time. The goal is to end up with a beautiful and healthy smile, and home care is essential to achieving this on schedule.

If you have any questions about any of these tips, or if you have any general questions about your treatment, please give us a call or ask us