Everyone knows at least someone who had braces on for way longer than was initially expected. Some people who get braces in middle school are still wearing them at their high school graduation!
Though everyone is different, and so will have to wear braces for a certain amount of time, it is certainly true that there are many things you can do to cut down on the amount of time you will spend wearing braces.
Like many things in dental care, the following tips require prudence, consistency, and self-responsibility for a successful implementation. Also, just because you follow this advice does not necessarily mean that you will have your braces off in your senior-year photo. As we said above, everyone is different, and so everyone’s braces timeline will be unique.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
This one may seem obvious, but there are some patients who inconsistently brush, or rarely—sometimes never—floss on their own. (Let us remind you that there are indeed braces-friendly flossing products and methods).
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can be a great way to shorten your braces timeline, so be sure to remember the basics!
Watch What You Eat
For many, the biggest letdown of getting braces is having to give up some well-loved foods. Most of these are snack foods such as popcorn and hard candy.
Also, gum can be damaging to braces, so be willing to give up gum if you wish to get your braces off sooner than later.
Here is a short list to memorize: Hard, sticky, crunchy.
If you encounter any foods that can be described as such, then you are best off avoiding them, and going for something softer.
Ultimately, the goal here is to keep you from damaging your braces, which can set you back a little bit in your progress.
Do not get too upset if you end up breaking a bracket, however, as it does happen from time to time. So long as you deal with it swiftly by making an appointment with us, you will be just fine.
Keep Up With Your Appointments and Follow the Specialists’ Advice
Since we already mentioned it, be sure that you are keeping up with your appointments and following our instructions.
With each appointment, our team will get a precise understanding of just where you are in your progress, and what can be done to get your treatment done as soon as possible.
You do not want to miss an appointment where we may tighten your braces, which is always uncomfortable but comes with the benefit of ending your treatment on time.
Do Not Neglect Your “Homework”
Sometimes, we give our patients things like retainers or even headgear, which, though uncomfortable and unfashionable, will ultimately get you the smile you deserve on the schedule we have set out for you.
The fact of the matter is that a braces timeline involves more than just getting the braces on and then waiting for a perfect smile; there are many steps along the way that are necessary for making that smile a reality.
Shorten Your Braces Timeline with Firouz Orthodontics
Want to make sure your braces timeline is short and effective? Then schedule an appointment with Firouz Orthodontics today!
