Many patients are under the assumption that wearing dental devices to straighten their teeth is a long and arduous process. The challenges are compounded if the patient has no other choice than to wear the easily discernible metal devices. One of the most frequently asked questions put to dentists during a consultation on orthodontic treatment is: ‘How long would I need to wear the device?’ What many patients do not know is that they can implement a few tricks to augment the process of orthodontic treatments so that they are not subjected to wearing the dental appliances for longer than they have to.
Undergoing a teeth-straightening process requires a bit of patience. This is because teeth need to shift into the desired position and shifting teeth is a gradual process. Depending on the dental appliance chosen, patients may have to endure wearing the dental appliance from six months to two years or more (much depends on the complexity of the patient’s case).
Reduce orthodontic treatment time with these tips
The tips that will help shorten the duration of orthodontic treatment are simple and very easy to implement. Most patients are already familiar with many of these tips.
- Follow the dental practitioner’s instructions and advice carefully
This item appears at the top of the list as almost every other trick is a follow-up on this one. Instruction will comprise of how to take care of the dental appliance, cleaning and storing in the case of removablebraces in Edinburgh, and foods to avoid that may damage or break the dental device. Damaged dental devices put a patient’s treatment plan and outcome at risk and will more than likely extend the treatment process
- Avoid missing check-up appointments
Check-up appointments are especially critical for those patients who are required to wear fixed metal dental appliances. A dental practitioner has to ensure that treatment is going to plan and make regular adjustments to the appliances, so that they can do the job they are designed to do. Without these adjustments, teeth will not move and treatment will stagnate.
- Speak to a dental practitioner if teeth grinding is a concern
Another factor that hinders the progress of orthodontic treatment is teeth grinding. A dental practitioner can suggest techniques or treatments that will help prevent this.
- Stick to food restrictions
Restrictions, especially if they pertain to favourite foods, may seem like a punishment but this is far from the intended purpose. Food restrictions are put in place to protect dental appliances from damage. Hard chewy foods have been found to bend or break the wires integrated into the device’s design. It is also helpful if patients on orthodontic treatment cut up food into bite-sized pieces.Sugar consumption is another huge concern when it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth.
- Stay clear of bad habits
It is easy to fall into bad habits, which is why patients should take extra care to avoid such things as biting onto non-foods substances (pens, pencils, nails and bottle tops). Teeth already come under a bit of stress when being manipulated into a desired position, so avoiding undue pressure is good advice. Patients often forget that they can play an important part in ensuring the success of their dental treatments. Dental appliances can only work as they are designed to do with the help of patients. For more orthodontic tips and tricks, visit your dental clinic.
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