This is by far the most common question we are asked as orthodontists! While the duration of each patients treatment is different due to the individualized treatment plan and smile design the orthodontists at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics have prepared for you, there are several "secrets" that will help you get of braces faster.
Brushing and flossing regularly doesn't just keep you from getting cavities and gum disease, but it can also help your teeth move. If plaque and tartar accumulate on your braces they can act like speed bumps, slowing your teeth as they try to move along the wires. Also, if you come to your appointment with dirty teeth or braces, we will need to spend time reviewing proper brushing and flossing with you which can distract us from our primary goal of getting your teeth straight efficiently!
2) Eat The Right Things!
Certain foods are almost guaranteed to knock your braces off. For example, ice, lollipops, and certain frozen treats. When a bracket comes off a tooth that tooth doesn't move, so even though all the other teeth continue to straighten, the one with the loose bracket will not and will usually even start to rotate or crowd. Ultimately, that equates to more time in braces as we work to get that tooth caught up.
3) Wear your rubber bands or other appliances!
For many patients wearing rubber bands is essential for them to achieve a good bite. Rubber bands are designed to be worn 24 hours a day, every day, except for eating and brushing. A lot of patients think that if they wear their rubber bands a few hours a day every day they will make progress, like chopping down a tree with an axe, "every little bit counts." Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Using rubber bands to correct your bite is more like rolling a ball up a large hill; every time you take the rubber bands out, it's like letting the ball go and you lose ground.
The orthodontists at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics in Morehead City, Jacksonville, and Havelock use state-of-the-art appliances and techniques to give our patients the best possible results in the least time possible. Following these tips will make sure your braces are off quickly and with a great result!
