1. Your treatment estimation is solely determined by your compliance
Like everything in life, you have to put some work in to reach your goal. Getting braces means accepting the fact that you may not be able to open up a bag of Takis and devouring them the way you normally would. It also means not being able to freely and carelessly bite into anything super hard and crunchy. Of course, it is temporary and your Orthodontist will thank you. If a bracket breaks, you’re willingly delaying your treatment, for the tooth can easily begin to move back to its original position. Lastly, when it’s time for Elastics (rubber bands), YOU MUST WEAR THEM. We do not give them out for fun or for them to sit in your purse, bedroom, or that random drawer in your house that can provide you with anything from a soy sauce packet to a screwdriver. This stage is vital, for it correctly adjusts your bite, which in the end, you will thank your Orthodontist. Not wearing the elastics will delay the treatment, so wear those rubber bands!
2. You will have to step up your Oral Hygiene
You have metal or ceramic brackets and a wire covering a part of the exterior of your teeth. It can be difficult to properly brush or floss, UNLESS YOU KNOW HOW. First off, we recommend brushing three times a day (after each meal) for 5 minutes each time and flossing every night before bed. This will ensure fresh breath and the prevention of gum disease. If you don’t brush as needed, along with other things, you may also develop cavities, which can interfere with your treatment, especially if brackets need to come off in order to restore the cavities. Therefore, brush your teeth! Bad breath is not a good look.
3. Educate yourself
We’d love to teach you a little more about what we do! Ask questions. There may be a day that you find yourself unsure of something, unable to make it into the office, and whomever you speak to on the phone won’t know what tooth, appliance, bracket, etc. it is that you’re referring to. Get involved in your treatment so that we can grasp the aesthetic that you’re going for, and we can leave you feeling confident and happy with your smile.
If you have any questions at all, feel free to call us at (718) 591-6100. Our call center is available at all times with the proper knowledge to guide you on the journey of your perfect smile!