How to maximise treatment with braces

One of the most important things we at Orthodontist London would like our patients starting their treatment with braces Marylebone to know is – you are in control of the ultimate success of your orthodontic journey. It is essential that you adhere strictly to all the advice and guidance offered by our dental practitioner on starting teeth-correcting treatment with braces Marylebone.

Each type of braces Marylebone will have its own set of rules to follow to ensure you get the maximum value out of your treatment plan and the end result you are after. In their haste and excitement to achieve the desired results from orthodontic treatment, many patients may overlook the importance of abiding by treatment guidelines as set out by their supervising dental practitioner.

While there is no doubt that wearing braces will improve smile aesthetics and the health of the mouth, there are factors that will help you get the most out of your treatment and increase the likelihood of long-term results. It takes focus and dedication to protect the hard work achieved by braces. In this post, we at the practice, look at a few ways to maximise your treatment with braces.

Tips to remember for braces treatment success

Depending on the type of braces the treatment plan is built around, there will be some minor adjustments to make in terms of lifestyle changes. Seeing that braces (no matter the design) are foreign objects placed in the mouth, it is only to be expected that there will be some initial adjustment to be made in wearing braces.

Dietary changes

Patients wearing traditional braces will need to make changes to their diet. Certain food types, particularly hard foods, can easily damage the metal components of fixed braces. Removable aligner trays like Invisalign also require patients to observe a few guidelines with respect to their diet. Aligner trays are removed before meals so there are no food restrictions as such, but the opportunities to eat and drink are restricted to only a few hours in a day. No more snacking whenever the fancy strikes.

Aligner trays are made from a clear plastic material so another guideline is to not drink hot beverages whilst wearing them that may warp or damage the material.

Oral hygiene

It cannot be stressed enough how critically important it is for patients receiving orthodontic treatment plans to look after their oral hygiene. Oral hygiene obligations such as brushing your teeth are essential, whether you are wearing traditional braces or aligner trays. Cleaning teeth with traditional braces on requires a bit more work and time than aligner trays that can be removed.

Aligner trays also need cleaning and sterilising to keep them bacteria-free. If the trays are not cleaned, bacteria and germs on them can easily be transferred back into the mouth.

Practicality

While the ability to remove aligner trays is an advantage when it comes to eating and oral hygiene, there is always the temptation to fight to keep them off of teeth for longer than is advised. Patients need to also remember to keep to the interval change schedule for when each new tray needs to be worn. Forgetting to change trays as set out by the interval change schedule can delay the progress of treatment.

Ultimately it is the choices patients make in regard to their treatment that will determine how well wearing braces works for them. It is always best to make sure you understand all the practicalities of orthodontic treatment before you begin. For a comprehensive consultation for orthodontic care, please call our Orthodontist London.