I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!
Braces can be on your teeth for a few months to a few years, and that can be a long time to put up with the discomfort braces can bring. Moving teeth is a slow process, and for good reason – trying to move your teeth too quickly could damage them. However, with proper care and looking out for habits that could slow the process, you can make sure your braces are off more quickly.
Research Your Orthodontist
If you haven't gotten your braces yet, make sure you do some legwork to find an orthodontist who does good work. Look at his certification and credentials, and make sure he has experience working with people in your age group, with similar dental issues (if applicable) or with the type of braces you are interested in using. This information is also relevant if you have braces already but are looking to switch orthodontists.
Don't Rush or Procrastinate
You have control over certain aspects of your braces, like removable headgear and bands for your brackets. Though it may be tempting to use more bands at once or wear your gear more often, this gets risky; applying too much pressure to your teeth can weaken them or even cause them to break or result in bone damage.
Further, if you try to push your teeth too fast, they could end up moving incorrectly and actually end up taking longer.
Likewise, if you were unable (or unwilling) to wear your bands or headgear for a while leading up to your appointment, don't go overboard on bands or try to make up for lost time, as this can cause the same problem. To the best of your ability, follow the directions your orthodontist has left you.
Stop Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can cause a number of problems, but it can be even worse if you have braces. Teeth grinding is a source of constant pressure on your teeth, and that pressure can slow the progress of your braces by pushing your teeth in different directions.
Ask your orthodontist or dentist about the possibility of wearing headgear to stop your teeth from grinding together. If you believe you have a teeth grinding issue due to stress or some other psychological factor, your primary care provider may be able to recommend muscle relaxers, physical therapy or some other type of treatment.
Take Good Care of Your Teeth
Staying on top of your dental hygiene is even more important when you have braces. Braces make food more likely to stick to your teeth and cause decay, and braces covered in gunk are also less effective. Keep up with brushing and flossing, and see your dentist for cleanings regularly.
How This Helps You
Though it may not seem like you're actively doing much to get your braces off faster this way, it's actually very helpful for your orthodontist and can help get your braces off more quickly in the end. This is because the date you're expected to have your braces removed is only an estimate. Keeping your braces clean and intact and avoiding bad habits like tooth grinding removes a lot of the obstacles that can make your braces take longer to work.
To learn more, contact a dental office like Alliance Family Dental.
Share9 September 2015
