5 Key Things to Consider During Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is an effective way to achieve straight teeth and a beautiful smile. However, this journey requires patience and your cooperation in observing some key points. Following these points not only helps the treatment progress correctly, but also prevents potential problems and ensures the final result. In this article, we will examine 5 of the most important things you should carefully consider during your orthodontic treatment. By observing these simple yet vital points, you can achieve the best results from your orthodontic treatment and enjoy your new smile.

1. Oral and Dental Hygiene: The Cornerstone of Successful Orthodontic Treatment

Oral and dental hygiene during orthodontic treatment becomes more important than ever. The presence of brackets and orthodontic wires creates more surfaces for food and dental plaque to accumulate. If oral hygiene is not properly maintained, this plaque buildup can lead to serious problems:

• Tooth Decay: The acid produced by bacteria in plaque attacks tooth enamel and causes decay. This decay can occur around the brackets and damage the teeth.
• Gum Disease: Dental plaque causes inflammation and redness of the gums (gingivitis), and in more advanced stages, gum recession and damage to the bone supporting the teeth (periodontitis).
• Tooth Staining: Failure to maintain hygiene can lead to white spots on the teeth after removing the brackets. These spots are caused by demineralization of tooth enamel due to plaque acid.

To prevent these problems, you should maintain oral and dental hygiene accurately and regularly:

• Brushing: Brush your teeth carefully after each meal and before bed. Use special orthodontic toothbrushes that have soft bristles and a narrow head to properly clean around the brackets and wires.
• Flossing: At least once a day, use special orthodontic floss (waxed floss or floss with a stiff end) to remove plaque and food debris trapped between the teeth and under the orthodontic wires.
• Mouthwash: Using a fluoride mouthwash helps strengthen tooth enamel and reduce bacteria in the mouth. Use mouthwash as directed by your dentist or orthodontist.
• Regular Dental Visits: Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months) for check-ups and teeth cleaning.

2. Regular and Timely Visits to the Orthodontist: An Essential Step in the Treatment Path

Regular visits to the orthodontist are an integral and very important part of orthodontic treatment. These visits allow your orthodontist to:

• Evaluate Treatment Progress: At each visit, the orthodontist checks the progress of tooth movement and ensures that the treatment is progressing as planned.
• Adjust Brackets and Wires: To properly guide the teeth to the desired position, brackets and orthodontic wires need periodic adjustments. These adjustments are made during regular visits.
• Check and Adjust Auxiliary Appliances: In some cases, it may be necessary to use auxiliary appliances such as elastics (orthodontic bands) or headgear. The orthodontist will teach you how to properly use these appliances and check them during visits.
• Identify and Resolve Potential Problems: During treatment, problems such as bracket detachment, wire breakage, or gum irritation may occur. The orthodontist identifies these problems during visits and takes action to resolve them.
• Check Your Oral and Dental Hygiene: At each visit, the orthodontist checks your oral and dental hygiene and provides necessary recommendations if needed.

The Importance of Timely Visits:

Delaying or failing to attend regular visits to the orthodontist can disrupt the treatment process and even lead to longer treatment times or failure to achieve the desired outcome. Carefully follow the schedule of visits that your orthodontist sets for you and contact their office if you have any problems or questions.

3. Proper Nutrition During Orthodontics: Protecting Brackets and Dental Health

Proper nutrition during orthodontic treatment plays an important role in maintaining the health of teeth and brackets. Some foods can damage brackets, be difficult to clean, or increase the risk of tooth decay.

Prohibited or Limited Foods During Orthodontics:

• Hard Foods: Nuts, ice, hard crispy rice (tahdig), popcorn, hard fruits like apples and raw carrots (better to consume in small pieces), etc. These foods can cause brackets to detach or orthodontic wires to break.
• Sticky Foods: Gum, gaz (nougat), toffee, sticky chocolates, caramel, etc. These foods stick to the brackets and are very difficult to clean.
• Very Sweet Foods: Candy, chocolate, carbonated soft drinks, pastries, etc. Excessive consumption of these foods increases the risk of tooth decay.
• Carbonated and Acidic Drinks: These drinks damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of decay.

Suitable Foods During Orthodontics:

• Soft Foods: Soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, boiled eggs, fish, cooked chicken (boneless), soft pasta, soft rice, etc.
• Soft Fruits and Vegetables: Bananas, strawberries, grapes, peaches, apricots, cooked vegetables, etc.
• Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, cheese (except hard types).

Important Nutritional Tips:

• Cut food into small pieces to make chewing easier and reduce pressure on the brackets.
• Avoid frequent sweet snacks.
• After each meal, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth.
• Increase water consumption.

4. Following Your Orthodontist’s Instructions: Your Personal Guide for Treatment

Your orthodontist is your best source of information and guidance throughout your treatment. Each orthodontist may provide unique recommendations and instructions based on the patient’s specific condition. Strictly following these instructions is the key to your treatment success.

Instructions your orthodontist may provide include the following:

• How to Use Auxiliary Appliances: If using elastics, headgear, or other auxiliary appliances, your orthodontist will teach you how to use them correctly, when to use them, and related care tips.
• Bracket and Wire Care: Specific recommendations on how to clean brackets, prevent damage to them, and actions to take if a bracket detaches or a wire breaks.
• Using Specific Medications or Mouthwash: In some cases, your orthodontist may prescribe a specific mouthwash or medication to reduce pain or inflammation. Carefully follow the method and timing of taking these medications.
• Restrictions on Specific Activities: In some cases, your orthodontist may recommend restrictions on performing specific sports activities or playing wind instruments.

The Importance of Communication with Your Orthodontist:

If you have any questions, problems, or ambiguities about your treatment, do not hesitate to contact your orthodontist and ask for guidance. Self-treatment or ignoring problems can disrupt the treatment process.

5. Patience and Realistic Expectations: Keys to Maintaining Motivation in Long-Term Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is a time-consuming process and may take months or even years. During this time, you may face challenges such as initial discomfort after braces are placed, dietary restrictions, and the need for strict oral and dental hygiene. In this long journey, patience and realistic expectations are two key factors for maintaining motivation and achieving the desired outcome.

Tips for Maintaining Patience and Motivation:

• Think About Your Final Goal: Imagining your final beautiful smile and straight teeth can help you endure the hardships of the journey.
• Celebrate Small Progress: Pay attention to the small changes in the position of your teeth that you see at each visit and draw energy from this progress.
• Stay in Touch with Your Orthodontist: Talking to your orthodontist and understanding the treatment process can help reduce your anxiety and increase your motivation.
• Reward Yourself: For reaching milestones in treatment (e.g., passing a certain stage), give yourself small rewards to maintain your motivation.
• Be Realistic: Orthodontic treatment takes time, and there may be ups and downs along the way. Do not expect results to be achieved quickly and without any effort.

Conclusion:

Observing these 5 key points plays a significant role in the success of your orthodontic treatment. By maintaining oral and dental hygiene, visiting your orthodontist regularly, eating properly, following instructions, and being patient and realistic, you can get through this treatment period well and achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Remember that your orthodontist is always there to help you successfully complete this journey.