Orthodontics is a big investment both in terms of time and money. Whether you are wearing braces currently, or you will begin orthodontic treatment soon, it's important that you get the most out of your investment. Our Las Vegas and Summerlin, NV orthodontist, Dr. Mark Truman and his team want all our patients to get the best, most efficient treatment experience possible.
With 2014 quickly coming to an end, many of us will be making New Year's resolutions to create some beneficial improvements in our lives for the new year. If you are planning on making a few resolutions for 2015, here are three things you may wish to include that will help you maximize your orthodontic treatment. Even if you're not the type to make resolutions for the new year, these tips will help you get the most out of your orthodontic care.
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
It is always important to brush and floss your teeth to keep your smile healthy. Good oral hygiene is even more important when you're wearing braces. Practicing healthy oral care is key to avoiding common dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. As oral hygiene can be more challenging with braces, people wearing them need to be even more diligent.
Fortunately, practicing good oral hygiene becomes easier when you use products designed to help you do the best job you can when caring for your teeth. First and foremost, we recommend using an interdental toothbrush, such as Proxabrush, that's specially designed to clean underneath and around your wires and brackets. Another great product for those with braces is Peroxyl, a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse that reduces inflammation to the gums and cheeks and helps to decrease irritation that may develop from your braces.
We understand that flossing takes time and requires patience when wearing braces. However, flossing isn't a chore when you use a special floss threader designed to easily get in and around all those nooks and crannies where food particles and bacteria hide under brackets and wires and along the gumline.
2. Wear Your Extra Appliances as Directed
In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene throughout orthodontic treatment, it's very important for orthodontic patients to wear their extra appliances as directed, including rubber bands (elastics), spacers, turn key palatal expanders, and headgear. The key to success with your treatment depends upon you following the directions we give you. Neglecting to wear your appliances as directed can result in costlier treatment and longer treatment times. Our team will provide you with very detailed instructions regarding how and when to wear your appliances. If you have any questions about your rubber bands, palatal expander, spacers, or headgear, do not hesitate to give our Las Vegas orthodontic office a call.
3. Wear Your Retainer as Directed
Once your braces are removed, you will enter the final phase of your orthodontic treatment called the retention phase. This is when you'll need to wear a retainer that holds your teeth in their new positions. If you fail to wear your retainer as directed, your teeth may shift back into their original positions, discounting the time and money you put into your treatment. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing and flossing your teeth and to brush and rinse your retainer before putting it back in your mouth.
Learn More About Getting The Most Out of Your Investment
We want all of our patients to get the most out of their orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions regarding your treatment, give us a call at (702) 360-9000 to learn more. Orthodontics is a two-way street, meaning it requires effort from both you and your orthodontist. By following the instructions we provide you with, you should sail through orthodontic treatment without any problems – resulting in a beautiful, straight smile you can enjoy for the rest of your life!
