Undergoing orthodontic treatment and having traditional braces or Invisalign in Mt. Vernon, NY can be an exciting experience. However, knowing how to take proper care of your orthodontic appliances is the secret to success in the treatment process. Braces can improve oral health, alignment, and confidence, but the process comes with a lot of responsibility when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth during the treatment.
Adhere to your orthodontist’s guidance
Lastly, remember to strictly follow the specific treatment directions given by your orthodontist. For your case with either regular orthodontic braces or Invisalign, a professional can include personal guidelines unique to your treatment. Regular visits to the dentist will help you to monitor your treatment and make any necessary adjustments. Missing a visit may result in a slow process and further complications.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
It is a necessity that you observe good oral hygiene once you have braces or Invisalign. It is very easy for food residues to get trapped in your braces and on your teeth, leading to plaque, cavities, and even gum disease. Similarly, bacteria as well as moisture will get trapped within the aligners if they are not properly cleaned. These problems could be prevented by following the below:
- Brush your teeth after every meal: Food particles can get stuck to your braces, or even in the small spaces between the teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Use interdental brushes: These are the small brushes that can reach between the wires and brackets of your orthodontic braces. They might clean places your regular toothbrush could not.
- Brush your teeth regularly: This is tough on the teeth with braces, but an interdental or a water flosser can help you reach around the wires and brackets. For Invisalign users, don’t forget to floss after meals, then put your aligners back in.
- Clean your Invisalign trays: If you are an Invisalign in Mt. Vernon, NY, you must clean your aligners well. You can put them for soaking in a special cleaning solution or brush them with a soft brush so as not to stain and stick bacteria on them.
- Once your teeth and braces are clean and free from bacteria, you will avoid tooth decay and gum problems, and your treatment will likely run smoothly.
Be Careful with Your Diet
However, in the case of normal braces, it may be challenging when particular foods can spoil the wires or break off the brackets, which creates discomfort and prolongs your treatment; some examples include:
- Chewing gum
- Popcorn
- Hard candies
- Nuts
- Ice
Instead, select softer foods that will not damage the braces. Invisalign consumers do have some discretion with their diet, but you need to remove your aligners before you eat and brush your mouth before you replace them.
Do not drink liquid beverages such as coffee or soda to avoid the possibility of staining your aligners, which could make them more difficult to hide.
Control Pain and Discomfort
With braces, whether they are the old-fashioned kind or Invisalign, you may encounter some discomfort, particularly when having a new set of aligners applied or in the event of a tightening. This pain is a sign that your teeth are moving, and this is wonderful! The issue lies in the fact that this pain needs to be controlled and reduced for it not to be so unbearable.
Here’s how:
- Orthodontic wax can be applied to the top of areas of your gums or the inside of your mouth where brackets and wires are causing irritation. You will experience much less discomfort and pain.
- Cold compress: If your braces are hurting you, then wear a cold compress on your cheeks. This will cut down swelling, and what you are going to feel is relief of the pain.
If there’s significant pain or a wire is irritating your gums, you have to see your Mt. Vernon, NY-based dentist as soon as possible.
Orthodontic Emergencies Treatment with the Right Approach
Sometimes, you may experience orthodontic emergencies like wire breakage or a loose bracket. You must be in touch with your orthodontist as early as possible to prevent any kind of delay in the treatment.
What you should do in the meantime
Loose bracket: If the bracket is loose, you can use some orthodontic wax to hold it temporarily until you get back to your orthodontist to get it mended.
Broken wire: If the wire is poking into your cheek or gums due to a broken piece, you may use a clean pencil eraser to push it back in. Cover with orthodontic wax until you can see your orthodontist.
Wear Your Retainer After Treatment
Over time, retainers can be full-time or part-time to keep your smile intact. Your teeth might shift back into their original positions. That’s when the retainer is at work and prevents you from having your teeth all crooked again. Whether removable or fixed, follow the instructions of your orthodontist.
If you wear Invisalign, you might be prescribed a set of retainers for nighttime wear. They will look much like your aligners but will be programmed to keep your teeth in their place rather than trying to move them further. Regular checkups at the dentist in Mt. Vernon, NY, will ensure that your retainer fits well and that your smile stays straight for years to come.
Wear your Invisalign daily
For Invisalign patients, therefore, it is key to success that you wear your aligners consistently. Make sure you wear them for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day and then take them off to eat, drink anything apart from water, or to brush your teeth. Failure to use the aligners for as much time can lead to slower progress, more aligners, and eventually an extension of your treatment period.
Consistency will help you get the outcome you want. The best practices to take care of your aligners are unlikely to be up in your head, and so you can consult your dentist Mt. Vernon, NY for information.
Conclusion
Proper care of braces is essential for the smooth and successful progress of your orthodontic treatment. Whether you have traditional orthodontic brackets or clear aligners like Invisalign in Mt. Vernon, NY, maintaining regular oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and following orthodontic recommendations will lead you to the beautiful smile you deserve.
Multiple check-up visits at Aurora Smiles with Dr. Amul Patel will ensure that your braces are functioning effectively and that your teeth remain healthy.
Don’t hesitate—contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward your perfect smile!