Here’s how we do that.We pride ourselves on efficient treatment times, but it really is a partnership between you and us. The most effective orthodontic treatment occurs when there is a high level of commitment from both the patient and orthodontist. However, poor oral hygiene, missed appointments and broken appliances will result in lengthy delays to the completion of treatment.We guarantee you’ll receive a 100 percent commitment from our team. But what about you? Will you stay committed?!To give you the best chance of staying on track we educate and empower you with tools and resources. We also help you manage expectations.
Check out our tips for staying calm and comfortable.Tip #1 – Allow time to adjustAfter your braces are on, there will be a period of adjustment (for you and your teeth!). Initially, your teeth may feel tender or uncomfortable. During this period, it’s wise to stick to eating soft, cold foods. You may even feel pain relief can be helpful. Remember, the discomfort will pass and any subsequent adjustments to your braces are unlikely to cause as much disturbance as the initial placement process.Tip #2 Maintain excellent oral hygieneIf brushing and flossing has never been your thing, then now is the time to make it so.Excellent oral hygiene is crucial when wearing braces, making it essential to keep braces, teeth and gums clean and free from plaque and the accumulation of food throughout treatment. Take care when you eat, avoiding hard, sticky and crunchy foods as these can get caught in and around your braces. They can even cause damage and lead to prolonged treatment times.Tip #3 Brush and floss regularly (yes, we mean it!)And we’re not just saying this because we’re orthodontists. Regular brushing (three times daily) with a small, soft toothbrush and interdental brush around the brackets and gum line is an important line of defence against decay, gum disease and permanent stains (decalcification) on your teeth.
Think you might need a refresher on correct brushing? Ask one of the team when you visit.
Flossing is as important as brushing as it helps remove plaque that brushing won’t. Floss regularly – ideally once everyday – to avoid any unwanted dental issues emerging during the treatment period.Tip #3 Avoid hard, sticky, sugary foodsHard, sticky and sugary foods can wreak havoc on braces. Avoid them if you can.Hard foods can break brackets and bend wires; sticky foods can get stuck and pull appliances off teeth; and sugary foods and drinks can cause tooth decay, leaving white marks or cavities on teeth. None of these are desirable, making good dental care essential during treatment.Tip #4 Maintain regular dental check upsMaintaining your regular oral hygiene visits during the treatment period is essential.While we will assess tooth movement and orthodontic treatment progress, we don’t diagnose and examine for tooth decay and other general dental concerns.Tip #5 Stick to your scheduled orthodontic appointmentsIt can be easy to miss appointments when life gets busy, but when you miss appointments, you extend the duration of your treatment time. If you know there’s a chance you’ll have to change an appointment, call and speak to one of the team who will help you find another time that suits.
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Correct at time of publishing 17-02-2015
