Orthodontic work is a life-altering experience that positively impacts your quality of life for many years. In-office, Coppe & Sears does everything we can to make sure you are comfortable and confident throughout the treatment journey. Still, you must do the following things away from the office to get the most out of orthodontic treatment!
Maintain Oral Health
Oral health is crucial to successful orthodontic treatment. Continuing beneficial habits during treatment remove bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gums that cause tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, and infections. If left untreated, you could suffer temporary or permanent cosmetic and health issues that can negatively affect your new smile.
To maintain good oral health, you should:
- Brush and floss twice a day
- Invest in a water flosser and interproximal brush
- Follow your orthodontist-approved diet (if applicable)
- Attend dental cleanings regularly
- Follow all care instructions provided by your dentist and orthodontist
- Ask your oral healthcare providers about fluoride products
Stay On Schedule
You will have a schedule to stick to regardless of your orthodontic treatment type. For fixed braces, you must attend your adjustment appointments so that Dr. Sears or Dr. Donovan can tighten your wires and encourage further teeth movement. Patients with removable clear aligners must advance to the next set in the series at the prescribed time. Attempting to change too early will only cause avoidable complications.
Our orthodontists have created a personalized treatment program for you to efficiently and safely achieve your new smile. Please do not make any modifications without first getting prior approval from our team.
Wear Your Retainer
Once active treatment (when your teeth are actively moving) ends, you will receive a custom-made retainer to wear. The purpose of this device is to hold your teeth in place as the mouth becomes accustomed to its new layout. Without a retainer, your teeth will try to return to their original locations, and it takes as little as one day to notice a difference! To protect your new smile and minimize the risk of retreatment, wear and care for your retainer as directed.
Use Orthodontic Wax
Though fixed and removable braces are now more comfortable than ever, they might occasionally cause some discomfort. Orthodontic wax is an excellent solution to many problems that might create irritation. Two examples include placing wax on top of brackets or wires that pinch or poke your cheeks, lips, or gums and putting wax on broken wires or brackets to hold them in place until repaired.
Comfort is essential to finishing treatment. If you are uncomfortable, you will be less likely to wear your removable aligners or take adequate care of your fixed braces if you associate negative feelings with them.
Other ways to manage soreness include ice packs, numbing solutions like Orajel, and over-the-counter pain medications. Make sure to follow instructions carefully for the safest, best results!
See Coppe & Sears!
When you become a patient of Coppe & Sears, you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment thanks to our exceptional customer service, fantastic doctors, and outstanding patient resources. To learn more about orthodontic care, contact our Lexington office to schedule an appointment today!