Do you have braces or are you thinking about getting braces? You may imagine that the orthodontist controls all the steps toward making your smile incredible. Actually, your participation in your orthodontic treatment is critical to achieving a great smile!
Many people assume that once they get braces on, they just have to wait for prescribed time before their smile is picture perfect. However, being active in the treatment process is essential to achieve the best result possible in the least amount of time.
Dr. Phillip Beckwith offers the following tips for you to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment:
- Keep your mouth clean and healthy! Orthodontic treatment is not a mechanical change-it is a biological transformation. If your mouth is not healthy, the treatment will not progress properly or efficiently. Plus, the teeth and gums can be permanently damaged. The key to a healthy mouth is keeping it clean, clean, clean!
- Follow your orthodontist’s instructions! It sounds simple, yet so many people in treatment fail to do this. For example, if you are instructed to wear your rubber bands all day long, then wear them! If you don’t do as directed, then you won’t achieve the look that you are working hard for during treatment.
- Avoid damaging your braces! Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods (caramels, chewy candy like Starbursts and hard candy like Jolly Ranchers). Consider cutting up fresh fruits and veggies instead of gnawing on them. Damaged braces mean extra appointments, inconvenience, extended treatment time, as well as extra expense.
- Show up for your appointments. Regular appointments are important for your orthodontist to check on your progress and make small adjustment to your braces to continue to move your teeth in their correct positions. Continuity matters with orthodontic treatment.
Achieving a good result with braces requires your effort and your participation. No different than school, sports, musical training etc. The result will be a reflection of your own commitment.
Your mouth is an important part of yourself and your overall heath. Don’t wait to talk to an orthodontist if you have any concerns or questions about you or your child’s smile!
Dr. Beckwith has offices in Westerville and Sunbury to serve his patients of all ages. You can reach him at 614-882-5391 (Westerville) or 740-965-8700 (Sunbury) or www.beckwithortho.com.
