Whether you or your child are just starting orthodontic care, want to upgrade your experience, or wonder what orthodontic treatment might entail before you begin, you’re in the right place. Dr. Kelly Morgan and Dr. Marie Coffelt of Morgan Orthodontics have put together the following top tips on how to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment.
Tips For Clear Aligners
3M Clarity Aligners are a breakthrough in orthodontic technology, offering a blend of comfort and effectiveness. At Morgan Orthodontics, we trust these aligners for their precision and adaptability. Custom-crafted for each patient, they provide a snug fit, ensuring efficient teeth movement while being virtually invisible. Made from high-quality, durable material, they’re designed for everyday life, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Whether attending a meeting or a social event, 3M Clarity Aligners ensures your orthodontic journey remains discreet, letting your progressing smile shine through.
Here are some tips to help your clear aligner experience be as hassle-free as possible!
Wear Your Aligners As Instructed!
Despite their ability to straighten your teeth without brackets and wires, 3M Clarity Aligners aren’t magic! They still need to touch your teeth to transform your smile. For the best outcomes, wearing your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours daily is essential. Every moment counts, and consistent wear ensures you stay on track with your treatment plan.
Stay On Schedule!
3M Clarity Aligners uses a series of trays, each slightly different than the last, to encourage teeth movement. Each set of aligners plays a pivotal role in the teeth-straightening process. Dr. Morgan and Dr. Coffelt have meticulously planned your aligner change schedule to optimize results. Deviating from this timeline can lead to discomfort, potentially prolong your treatment, and even add additional costs.
Keep Your Aligners Clean!
Clean aligners are crucial for oral health and the effectiveness of the treatment. Rinse them with lukewarm water and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove residue gently. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the aligners. Regular cleaning prevents discoloration and ensures they remain virtually invisible throughout the full two weeks.
Don’t Forget Your Case!
Your clear aligners are not as durable as the early Nokia cellphones—though it would be super cool if they were! If you’re not careful, your aligners’ removability, transparency, and thinness can make them easy to lose and break. Trays can be stepped on, chewed up by pets, left behind, and hard to find. They can also become very dirty or unsanitary when out of the mouth! To best protect your aligners, always put them in their protective carrying case when you’re not wearing them! The case makes them easier to keep up with and safeguards them from physical harm.
Bonus Tip: Don’t throw out your previous trays when you advance to the next in the series! Hold on to them, just in case. If something happens to the ones you’re supposed to wear, you can wear the previous set while waiting for a replacement. This will keep your teeth from regressing too much and minimize the time added to your overall treatment.
Tips For Fixed Braces
A time-tested solution to a range of orthodontic concerns, traditional braces have transformed countless smiles over the years. At Morgan Orthodontics, we offer metal and LightForce custom, 3D printed brackets— the latest technology in orthodontics, ensuring that our patients have options tailored to their needs and preferences. With their intricate combination of brackets, wires, and ligatures, these fixed braces work diligently to align and perfect your teeth. Traditional braces provide the reliability and precision that have made them a cornerstone of orthodontic treatment for both minor and complex issues.
Here are some tips to get the most out of your fixed braces!
Adjust Your Oral Hygiene Routine…
Braces can trap food particles easily. Ensure you brush after every meal, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around each bracket and wire. Consider using interdental brushes to reach those tricky spots and floss regularly. A fluoride mouthwash can be a final touch to strengthen teeth and ward off cavities.
…And Your Diet!
Certain foods can be a nemesis to braces. Avoid hard, crunchy foods that can damage brackets or dislodge wires. Sticky foods can become entangled and are challenging to remove. Being mindful of your diet protects your braces and ensures a smoother treatment journey. Though broken braces still technically work, they can be unpleasant and annoying. Remember, your dietary changes are only temporary, and the more you stick to the braces-friendly menu, the quicker your cravings for “forbidden” foods will subside.
Say No To Whitening Products!
The glue we use to attach the brackets to your teeth is airtight and strong, which means you will only whiten part of your teeth if you use whitening products. While it might look beautiful now, your teeth will be two different colors when your braces come off! Wait until treatment has ended to use any whitening product. We promise you’ll be glad you did!
Lastly, Wear Your Retainer!
Your teeth also have excellent memories; as soon as your braces or clear aligners do not pressure them, they will try to return to their original positions! It takes as little as one day for a noticeable, visible difference in teeth position. To prevent this, Dr. Morgan or Dr. Coffelt will give you a retainer to hold the teeth in place!
Orthodontic results can last a lifetime if you follow directions! Neglecting to wear your retainers or needing frequent replacements from improper care can cause you to restart treatment!
Visit Morgan Orthodontics For More Information!
To receive personalized orthodontic guidance based on your needs, contact our Leesburg or Winchester offices! Our excellent team is always available to help!
If you’re ready to begin your or your child’s orthodontic treatment, schedule a free consultation with our fantastic orthodontists!