If you are considering orthodontics and want to straighten your teeth as quickly as possible, give us a call. We are committed to helping you to have a beautiful smile and have several ways to do so. When you visit our office, we will conduct an examination and take x-rays, so we can determine the health and position of your teeth. Next, we can discuss the various treatment options available to you. Once you move forward, it is important to take steps to avoid things that could delay your treatment time. This way, you can have a straight and beautiful smile without delay.
Here are a few things that can delay your treatment time:
- Not taking care of your teeth. Good oral hygiene is important, no matter what. If you are straightening your teeth, it becomes even more so, because it is easier for you to get cavities or infections during this time. If you are wearing metal braces, this is especially true, as food and plaque can become trapped around your brackets and in between your wires. If you wear aligners and do not brush your teeth after eating, you could be trapping bacteria on your teeth, increasing your risk of getting cavities.
- Playing sports without a mouthguard. If you play sports, your teeth are at risk. Sports injuries are a leading cause of tooth damage, so whether you are playing baseball, soccer, or football, we encourage you to wear a mouthguard. This removable device is comfortable and will create a barrier to protect your teeth.
- Chewing on pencils or ice. If you have a habit of biting down on inedible objects, stop. While seemingly innocent, a piece of ice is hard enough to dislodge your brackets and break your wires. If you are wearing aligners, a pencil can crack them. Be sure to avoid eating or biting down on anything that is on the “do not eat” list we provide you with, as well.
- Skipping your appointments. As a provider of orthodontics, we know your regular appointments are key to ensuring your teeth continue to move into position like they are supposed to. If you skip out on regular exams, we will be unable to see if your teeth are moving correctly or if adjustments need to be made to ensure they are. Regular appointments allow us to make changes based on how your teeth are responding to care, so the end results are as planned. We encourage you to let us know if you cannot make it in, so we can reschedule you instead of having you miss a necessary appointment.
As a provider of orthodontics, we are committed to working with you and transforming your smile into something beautiful. Regardless of the type of orthodontics you select, we can provide you with information and suggestions for things you can do to keep your treatment plan on track and running smoothly.
Call our Leawood, KS, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.