Brace Care 101: How Often Should You See Your Orthodontist?

Brace Care 101: How Often Should You See Your Orthodontist?

Many people get metal, Invisalign, or lingual braces in Singapore to correct the positioning and alignment of their teeth or fix their bites. Once these braces have been installed and adjusted, you will need to wear them throughout the day, for between six months to three years. How long you need to wear your braces basically depends on how severe your malocclusion is.

For instance, if your teeth need to move a significant distance to align, you may have to keep wearing your braces for a more extended period of time. Unfortunately, wearing braces requires a commitment to achieve optimal results. This includes having to see your orthodontist on a regular basis while the treatment is ongoing. Read on to find out how often you should visit your orthodontist and what you must do in preparation for each dental checkup.

How often should your braces be checked by your orthodontist?

Basically, how often you need to see your orthodontist depends on several factors, such as your age, the severity of your malocclusion, and the type and design of the braces you have. However, as a general rule, the intervals of orthodontic appointments should vary between 3 to 8 weeks.

Every time you meet your orthodontist, they will adjust your braces to ensure that they provide just the right amount of tension to guide your teeth in moving to their proper positions. Depending on the type of braces you have, your orthodontist may likely need to tighten the wires or adjust the rubber bands to provide the correct pressure, in the appropriate direction.

Essential Things to do Before Visiting Your Orthodontist

In between your orthodontist visits, it is crucial for you to make sure that you are doing everything that you are supposed to be doing at home. If you neglect or do not monitor  your braces, your treatment will undoubtedly take a longer time to complete or worse, you might see disappointing results in the end. Here are some of the essential things you should do before meeting with your orthodontist regularly:

1. Clean your teeth several times a day

If you are wearing braces or any other type of orthodontic appliance, it is imperative to keep your teeth clean all the time. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, either in the morning or at night before bedtime, and gargling with mouthwash or oral rinse after brushing and flossing. Having good oral hygiene is essentially the key to achieving a perfect smile more easily.

2. Follow the instructions of your orthodontist

At each appointment, your orthodontist will likely give you some recommendations or instructions on how you should take care of your braces following an adjustment, or there could be an introduction to elastics or retainers. It is necessary to comply with these instructions to make sure that your orthodontic treatment is kept on track and that you will not experience a relapse in the future.

3. Stay away from problematic food and drinks

Because of the uncertainty as to when you will be able to meet with your orthodontist next due to your hectic life, it is particularly essential to handle your braces with extra care. This includes avoiding hard and sticky foods that can potentially break your brackets. Staying away from sugary beverages is also strongly advised, as these drinks can stain around the metal brackets of your braces and cause acid erosion of your teeth, which will be apparent and unsightly when your braces come off.

Conclusion

Regardless of what type of orthodontic treatment you choose, it is necessary to meet with your orthodontist regularly for checkup appointments throughout the duration of the treatment process. Regular orthodontist visits are the key to making sure that your orthodontic treatment is well-monitored and that you are making significant progress.

Always aspiring to be amongst the most excellent and trusted orthodontic clinics in Singapore, to help you achieve the perfect smile every step of the way, BigSmile Dental is the one you should choose! BigSmile Dental offers a wide array of effective and reliable orthodontic treatments, ranging from metal, ceramic, and Invisalign braces to teeth whitening. To learn more about how we can help you achieve the smile you have been dreaming of, feel free to contact us and book an appointment with us today.

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