The duration that it takes to complete an orthodontic treatment varies due to numerous factors, such as the type of treatment needed, age, severity of the case and finally, patient compliance. These factors are crucial in determining the duration of an orthodontic treatment, because it may be as short as 3 months or as long as 3 years. But at the end of the day, those who need to fix any sort of orthodontic problem will eventually have to get braces instalment in Singapore.
Nevertheless, there are some points that all patients need to take note of. So, here are a few ways orthodontic patients can put into action to take care of their braces.
- Brushing regularly
Even without braces, it is already crucial for everyone to brush his or her teeth on a daily basis. With braces, there’s all the more reason for you to brush regularly, to protect both your teeth and the orthodontic appliance. It is a routine practice for patients to brush after every meal they eat and before they go to bed to get rid of the plaque and food debris that will form around your orthodontic appliance.
It is best that you use a fluoride toothpaste as it helps to fight decalcification and tooth decay. A regular toothbrush is good enough for you to clean your teeth and appliance; you just need to take note of the time and attention you spend brushing, make sure to put aside at least a few minutes for a thorough job. Just remember to replace your toothbrush more frequently as dental braces can wear out the bristles more quickly.
- Make flossing a habit
Flossing is the key to getting perfectly clean teeth, as it helps you to get rid of the plaque buildup that your toothbrush cannot reach. With braces, flossing can become much more challenging, so do make use of tools like a floss threader to help you get the floss through, to make sure that you get the bacteria and food debris out.
While you are flossing, just take note that you should be gentle and thread the floss carefully in between the tooth and the braces’ wire. Though this is an effective method in helping you clean thoroughly, you still have to be careful as you may damage your braces if you exert too much force when flossing.
- Go for routine checkups
Don’t just visit your orthodontist for the sole reason of changing into your new braces, make sure you schedule an appointment every now and then so that you are able to check on your oral health. A good orthodontist in Singapore will be able to spot all kinds of diseases, from gum disease to cavities.
Your orthodontist will also be able to identify whether you require additional fluoride treatments to give added protection to tooth surfaces, to prevent your teeth from decaying while you have braces on.
- Rinse your mouth
Aside from freshening your mouth and giving a hint of fragrance, a mouthwash, in particular, a fluoride mouthwash, will be able to help by making sure that it reaches places that a toothbrush is unable to. It would be best if you use a prescription antiseptic or an over-the-counter mouth rinse to reduce gingivitis and biofilm and soothe other minor irritations that might occur due to braces. Another simple alternative that is always readily available is salt water itself.
So, make sure to rinse your mouth as and when so you can to remove all the harmful bacteria and food debris that refuses to leave the spaces between your teeth.
- Foods to avoid
Throughout your braces period, you should also be aware that there is a list of foods that you should consume carefully. The three type of foods that you should mainly avoid is hard, sticky and bulky foods. Some sticky foods include gummy candy, gum, caramel and so on. While some examples of hard and bulky foods include bagels, guava and hard breads. Cut them up into smaller, more manageable pieces before you eat them.
Sticky gum may sound delicious and tempting, but once you eat them, there’s no going back, as it will become very troublesome for you to clean your orthodontic appliance once your food gets stuck onto your braces.
Going through this treatment is not easy, but it can surely be done with a little bit of effort and mindfulness. Plus, once you have completed your treatment, you can feel free to smile all day long without a care in the world.
Location
10 Sinaran Drive, #11-18
Novena Medical Centre
Singapore 307506