On the path of pursuing beauty and health, orthodontic appliances have become a choice for many people to improve tooth alignment and enhance oral aesthetics. However, using orthodontic appliances is not as simple as just putting them on; it involves a series of professional knowledge, daily care, and precautions. To ensure the smooth progress of your orthodontic treatment and achieve the expected correction results, the following are key instructions on the use of orthodontic appliances introduced by Full-service China Dental Laboratory, to help you better embark on this journey of tooth correction.
- Pain and Discomfort in the Initial Stage of Orthodontic Treatment
Discomfort within the first 1 to 2 weeks of orthodontic treatment is normal and there is no need for excessive concern. After the appliance is initially worn and each time the force is increased during follow-up visits, mild reactive pain, soreness, discomfort, or looseness of the teeth are normal reactions, which generally subside or disappear within 3 to 7 days. If there are other severe discomforts, please contact your attending doctor.
- Regular Follow-up Visits as Prescribed During Orthodontic Treatment
Simple orthodontic treatment for deciduous teeth generally lasts about half a year, while comprehensive treatment for permanent teeth usually takes about two years. Generally, follow-up visits are required every 4 weeks after wearing fixed appliances and every 2 to 4 weeks for removable appliances. If you do not attend follow-up visits on time or skip them for a long time, the teeth will not move or may undergo abnormal changes, and the expected results cannot be achieved. Failing to attend regular follow-up visits may necessitate the need for a Reputable China Dental Lab to remake new orthodontic appliances, so please protect them well and make sure to attend follow-up visits.
- Dietary Precautions During Orthodontic Treatment
During orthodontic treatment, most meals can be consumed, but hard and sticky foods should not be gnawed on. Large pieces of food and harder fruits should be cut into small pieces before eating, as otherwise, the appliance may become loose, fall off, or be damaged, extending the treatment duration.
- Emergency Situations and Response Methods During Orthodontic Treatment
The appliance may cause mild friction or irritation pain to oral mucosa, cheeks, tongue, and other soft tissues, which will generally adapt after a few days. If the end of the ligature wire stands up and stabs the soft tissue, it can be gently pressed down. If situations such as loose or detached brackets or bands, or broken archwires are found that affect oral function, please contact your attending doctor promptly to determine if a visit to the clinic is needed.
- Carefully Protect Your Orthodontic Appliance During Orthodontic Treatment
The appliance is made of relatively expensive special materials through precise manual production by professionals. Some appliances, such as brackets, are imported in sets. Patients should not alter the shape or structure of the correction device on their own. If removable or invisible appliances are used, when removed, they must be placed in a protective case and should not be casually wrapped in tissue to avoid damage or loss.
- Carefully Use the Orthodontic Appliance as Prescribed During Orthodontic Treatment
Carefully follow the doctor’s instructions, change rubber elastics on time and as specified to ensure the smooth progress of the correction. Do not arbitrarily increase or decrease the corrective force. If your treatment requires the use of other orthodontic devices, such as headgear, J-hooks, facebows, rubber bands, anterior traction masks, chin cups, etc., please wear them for the time specified by the doctor every day and use them correctly as instructed to prevent injury.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment
Brush your teeth correctly every morning and evening, after each meal, and before follow-up visits to clean off soft plaque and food residue. Otherwise, it can easily lead to tooth surface decalcification, caries, defects, gingivitis, and periodontitis, and even cause tooth loosening or loss, affecting the treatment effect. It is recommended to use orthodontic-specific toothbrushes and develop a habit of brushing teeth in an orderly manner to avoid missing any teeth. After brushing, check in the mirror to see if there is still food residue trapped in the brackets. Dental floss is also recommended for cleaning the interdental spaces.
- Precautions for Invisible Orthodontics
Patients undergoing invisible orthodontics should wear their invisible aligners for no less than 22 hours each day, removing them only for eating and brushing. The rest of the time, they should be worn carefully. Generally, every 2 weeks is a treatment course, and after it ends, a new aligner should be worn under the guidance of the attending doctor. Invisible aligners need to be cleaned frequently. After removing them, use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the aligners in cold water. If necessary, they can be soaked in professional cleaning tablets. Do not use hot water to clean them, as the aligners may deform.