When you pick the right orthodontist, you’ll get personalized guidance during each leg of your treatment progress. To make your treatment go by more smoothly, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to the advice your orthodontist gives you. Here are some things you’ll never hear a good orthodontist say.
“You Don’t Need to Go to the Dentist During Treatment”
Every licensed orthodontist is also a fully trained dentist. In fact, orthodontists have to complete extra training. However, you’ll never hear your orthodontist say you can complete dental checkups at their office. That’s because they’re putting all of their time and effort into managing your orthodontic treatment progress instead of keeping your teeth clean and filling cavities.
An orthodontist who knows what they’re doing will encourage you to get regular dental checkups at your preferred dentist’s office while you’re in treatment to prevent tooth decay while you have braces or Invisalign.
“Your Retainer Is Optional”
Sure, no one is going to bust through your door and haul you off for tossing out your retainer. But you’ll never hear your orthodontist say wearing your retainer is merely a suggestion. Your retainer is what will keep your teeth in place after you complete treatment, making it essential to your overall treatment plan. So plan on taking care of your retainer and wearing it regularly if you want to maintain your new, healthy smile.
“Cleaning Your Teeth with Braces Isn’t Very Important”
Completing orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign will prepare you for better dental health in the long run. In fact, your teeth will actually be a little stronger once you complete orthodontic treatment. But your teeth will be more susceptible to tooth decay while you have braces, which is why you should step up your teeth-cleaning routine during treatment.
“Braces Are Just for Kids”
While the optimal time for orthodontic treatment tends to be during the teen years, you’re never too old to improve your smile. If you’re a parent of a teen orthodontic patient, you may even find that you’ll want to start treatment yourself. You’ll have plenty of great options to choose from, including ceramic braces, which offer lower visibility thanks to the clear brackets.
Of course, there’s always Invisalign, which provides nearly invisible treatment by using clear aligners instead of brackets and wires.
“Braces Are Just for Looks”
While what drives you to start orthodontic treatment may be the cosmetic benefits, there are plenty of other reasons why you should consider getting braces or Invisalign. Straightening your teeth significantly reduces your chances of experiencing tooth decay, which means getting orthodontic treatment will be great for long-term dental health.
By fixing some bite problems, you can expect it to be more comfortable to eat, speak, and simply go through your daily life. Many people who complete orthodontic treatment find they experience fewer headaches and less jaw pain as well.
What you can expect to hear from your orthodontist is expert guidance on how to make the most of your treatment, along with plenty of encouragement. Contact Smith Orthodontics today to schedule your complimentary consultation!
