Orthodontic work can lead to a beautiful and healthy smile, but the process takes a large commitment of time and money. Make the most of your orthodontics treatment by following a few helpful tips when wearing braces or Invisaligns, according to Dr. Kesselman, a top orthodontist near Fairfield, Connecticut.
Pick a treatment plan that is best for you. Dr. Kesselman of Riverside Orthodontics can help find the perfect orthodontics solution, whether it be traditional metal braces, clear braces or Invisalign, for your lifestyle. A number of clients in Fairfield, Connecticut, have discovered Invisalign to be a good option. They are removable and easy to clean, unlike clear braces, which can require more careful maintenance and can be easier to stain and break.
Cleaning your teeth and gums can be a challenge when you have orthodontic treatment like braces. Products like an interdental toothbrush, such as Proxabrush, can help you clean underneath and around dental wires and brackets. According to Dr. Kesselman, Peroxyl is a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse that can reduce inflammation in the gums and checks, which can often become irritated by braces. Floss threaders can make it simpler for orthodontics patients to get in around tight spaces under brackets and wires where food particles and bacteria can get trapped. Patients are able to follow more standard brushing and flossing procedures because Invisalign is removable.
You must follow your orthodontist’s directions, including wearing extra appliances as directed. Rubber bands (elastics), spacers, turn key palatal expanders and headgear are part of your treatment, according to Dr. Kesselman. Not follow instructions can end up costing patients more money and extend the treatment period.
Dr. Kesselman tells his patients in Fairfield, Connecticut, to avoid some foods while wearing braces or Invisalign. Hard foods, like ice, nuts, hard taco shells, French bread, corn on the cob, apples, raw carrots, bagels, chips, may break or damage orthodontics work. Jolly Ranchers and pizza crust also can wreak havoc. Sticky candies like licorice, gum, taffy, toffee, Starburst and caramels can get caught between brackets and wires. Sugary foods promote tooth decay. Dr. Kesselman suggests limiting sweetened drinks, including soda, tea and Kool-Aid, to one serving per day.
Keep up with routine appointments. Dr. Kesselman with his Fairfield, Connecticut patients to check on their progress and make adjustments to appliances. Missed appointments can setback treatment, which will extend both the time and the cost. If you find bent or loose wires at any time, Dr. Kesselman suggests making an appointment for repair.
When your braces are removed, you will enter retention, the final phase of the orthodontic treatment. Dr. Kesselman of Riverside Orthodontics near Fairfield, Connecticut, has his patients wear a retainer to hold the teeth in their new position. The teeth may shift back into their original positions, which can further delay treatment, without a retainer.
