Monday, June 27, 2022

How Can You Speed Up Orthodontic Treatment?

One of the most asked questions when patients get their braces on is… “How long will treatment last?” While there is no quick fix, there are ways to speed up your orthodontic treatment. The following tips will help you get the most from your orthodontic treatment in as little time as possible.

Follow Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s Instructions - If you want the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment, it is especially important that you follow the instructions we give you when it comes to caring for your teeth and braces. By following Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s guidelines, you will get a cohesive and effective course of treatment. If you disregard our instructions, you may lengthen your treatment time, incur additional costs, and jeopardize your results.

Keep Your Regularly Scheduled Appointments - While braces are vital to teeth straightening, they will only work effectively if you have them adjusted as needed. Regular visits to our office are important to ensure that your teeth are responding well to treatment. With every appointment, your teeth are shifting into a better position. By checking your progress and replacing your wires, we keep you on track for getting your braces off ASAP. If you miss appointments here and there that can mean that your teeth won’t move into the right position. This, in turn, means that you’ll likely have to wear braces longer than you had planned to get the desired results.

Watch What You Eat - Teeth move best in a healthy environment and in individuals who maintain excellent overall health. There isn’t a hard, crunchy, or sticky food that is worth the setback it can cause in your treatment. Not only can a loose bracket or wire really hurt your mouth, but it also means your braces will take longer to do their job.

Protect Your Teeth - Protecting your teeth and orthodontic appliances is essential to completing your treatment in a timely manner. Be sure to brush and floss regularly. Also, clean any brackets and wires carefully and well. We recommend brushing your teeth three times a day and flossing at least once a day. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Clean, healthy teeth and gums allow the teeth to move much faster than if the gums are swollen and inflamed. If you or your child play any sports, be sure to use a mouthguard. Mouthguards shield your teeth as they move into their new positions and help protect the straightening process itself.

When undergoing orthodontic treatment, the most important thing you can do is to choose an orthodontist who is highly trained and who has experience in treating cases of all types. The skill level of your orthodontist is the number one factor in determining how long your treatment will last. No matter what products and technologies are introduced, if your orthodontist does not have the knowledge and skill required to offer scientifically backed treatment options, your treatment may not be as effective.

Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson are board-certified orthodontists committed to providing exceptional treatment, based on scientifically backed theories and methods. They use 3D computer technology to craft customized treatment plans for each patient. Paired with their scientifically backed approach, Quest Johnson Orthodontics patients often see shorter treatment times, without added expenses.

If you are looking for a new smile, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson have years of experience providing the finest treatment available anywhere. Call Quest Johnson Orthodontics today.

 

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Eating With Orthodontic Appliances

Certain dietary habits are known to cause breakage of orthodontic appliances, as well as increase the risk of dental disease. Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s aim is to achieve treatment goals with as few disturbances as possible due to appliance breakage, and to minimize the side effects of poor diet choices.

When taking care of braces or an orthodontic appliance, softer foods are recommended…especially after an appointment when your mouth may be sore. Generally, if you have to question whether you can eat something with your appliance, it is better to avoid it altogether. Additionally, do not chew on non-food items such as pens, pencils, or fingernails.

Remember: Teeth move best in a healthy environment and in individuals who maintain excellent overall health. Make sure you choose a well-balanced diet.

Braces are attached to your teeth with a special orthodontic glue or cement that will withstand the normal forces of eating. However, brackets can be dislodged, and wires can be bent or broken after eating certain foods.

Foods and drinks that may cause cavities should be restricted while you are wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances. Sticky foods are to be avoided because of the increased risk of dental decay and appliance breakage. Between-meal snacks should be confined to foods that lack refined sugar and should be followed by brushing or vigorous rinsing.  

Sticky foods can get wrapped around your appliances and cause them to break or come loose. Hard foods can break your braces and damage your appliances.  

High-sugar and high-acidity drinks, when mixed with saliva, create a sticky film that coats the teeth and is difficult to remove completely, even with brushing.  

Some foods are fine to enjoy, if they are cut into smaller pieces which won’t damage your braces or appliance.

While you will have to avoid certain foods if you have orthodontic appliances, there are still plenty of healthy and delicious food options available to you. 

Some of the best foods to eat if you have orthodontic appliances are:

  • Yogurt
  • Bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and other fruits without pits
  • Light crackers or cookies
  • Cheese
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Ravioli, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and other noodle dishes

Excellent oral hygiene with an orthodontic appliance, whether braces or Invisalign clear aligners, is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. The right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss will make it easier to perform proper orthodontic care.

For most situations, common sense will tell you the specific foods to avoid. If you are unsure, please ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members to make sure that a food in question is safe to eat.