Your Orthodontist Reminds You to Be an Informed Patient!

Having straight teeth and a well-aligned bite is essential if you want to have the best oral and overall health possible. That’s why so many people — including children, teenagers, and adults — choose to undergo an orthodontic treatment. In order for your treatment to reach its potential, however, it is important that you take the time to educate yourself before, during, and after the time period when you’re wearing braces. Your orthodontist near Newark, OH is here to talk about why this is so vital.

Before Treatment

It used to be that traditional metal braces near Newark, OH were the only real option for straightening teeth, but that is no longer the case. Invisalign, ceramic braces, and several other treatments are available to patients. Of course, a trained orthodontist is the best person to help you decide which treatment you should undergo, but if you do your research on your options beforehand, you’ll be able to embark on your journey with confidence.

If you are a parent, educating yourself about your child’s orthodontic well-being is especially important. You should know when to take your child to the orthodontist (they should have their first appointment around age 7), how orthodontic treatment could affect your child’s development, and more.

During Treatment

The last thing you want is to commit yourself to an orthodontic treatment and then make a silly mistake that jeopardizes its efficacy or endangers your oral health. Be sure to find out:

• Which foods and beverages you avoid during your treatment
• How to properly manage any discomfort you may experience
• How to maintain good oral hygiene while you’re wearing braces or using Invisalign aligners
• What to do if something goes wrong with your braces or Invisalign
• How to help your child comply with their treatment instructions

After Treatment

After your treatment is done, your responsibility doesn’t end. Your Newark, OH orthodontist will provide you with a custom retainer to help you maintain the results of your treatment. This is important because your bones and tissues will still be in a state of reorganization; you’ll need to hold them in place as they stabilize. It is important that you find out how to care for your retainer and how much you should wear it (in most cases, you’ll have to wear a retainer for as long as you had braces).

Also, if your child underwent Phase I orthodontic treatment (before all their permanent teeth erupted), after their braces are removed is the perfect time for you to start learning about any Phase II treatment they may need.

How to Do Your Research

The internet is full of good information — but it’s also full of misinformation. You can search various reputable sites to learn about orthodontic treatment, but getting in-person advice from an orthodontist is really the best way to educate yourself.

Here at Wigal orthodontics, we have a talented and intelligent team ready to answer all your questions about braces, Invisalign, and other similar treatments. If you are ready to learn more about how to make your journey to a well-aligned smile a success, please contact us to schedule an appointment.