10801 PACIFIC ST OMAHA, NE 68154
Orthodontic treatment can be an exciting time in your life. Braces and aligners are designed to straighten your teeth and correct misalignment, they also require careful maintenance and attention to ensure they are doing their job smoothly and effectively. Our office has some helpful tips and tricks for you if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners (or are considering it).
Tips For Braces Wearers
-Right off the bat (you knew we were going to say this) you will want to brush and floss as recommended daily to protect your pearly whites.
-Cleaning teeth with braces can be challenging, but you can maintain your brushing and flossing routine thanks to interdental brushes and floss threaders to effectively clean between brackets and wires.
-Avoiding sticky and hard foods (popcorn, candy, nuts and ice) is important while wearing braces. These types of foods can damage braces parts so steer clear of them.
-If you are active in sports, wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect your smile while keeping your braces from damage during contact sports.
-Use orthodontic wax if your brackets or wires are causing discomfort to cushion the area and reduce irritation.
-Stay on schedule with your appointments. Orthodontic treatment requires regular appointments for adjustments and maintenance to ensure the best results in a timely manner.
Tips for Aligner Wearers
-Wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time so that your treatment plan will stay on track while giving you results you want.
-Clean aligners daily as they can collect bacteria and plaque. Use a soft bristled toothbrush, toothpaste and warm water as recommended to clean your aligners to keep them fresh and clean.
-Store aligners in a safe place. When you take your aligners out to eat, keep them in their case to prevent loss or damage. Never wrap them in a napkin or tissue, because that’s an easy way to accidentally throw them out or lose them.
-Brush and floss before putting your aligners back in to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup inside the aligners.
-If you are active in contact or high impact sports requiring a mouthguard, it is recommended to temporarily take out your aligners and wear a protective sports guard.
-Consider trying “chewies”, small foam cylinders that help seat aligners properly on teeth. Chew on them for a few minutes after inserting aligners to ensure they are snug and properly aligned.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is an exciting time and deserves your best efforts. You can maximize your comfort and success using these tips to make the process smoother and more effective. Never hesitate to consult with our orthodontic team for specific instructions and recommendations for your unique treatment plan, because we are here for you!
Call Today!
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and following the guidelines recommended by our orthodontists can help you achieve optimal results whether you are wearing braces or aligners. Dr. Kort Igel and Dr. Daniel Chartrand at Igel Orthodontics are happy to help you with all of your orthodontic needs. Whether you are a current patient or are considering orthodontic treatment, you can contact our team at (402) 330-1152 with your questions and schedule a complimentary consultation!