Getting braces is a commitment, and while the end goal is a beautiful, healthy smile, the journey can sometimes feel long. You might be wondering how you can speed up the process and get your braces off sooner. While there’s no magic shortcut, there are ways to reduce your treatment time by staying proactive and following your orthodontist’s advice.
At Feil Orthodontics, Dr. Feil and our team are here to guide you. Below, we’ll share helpful tips to help you stay on track and potentially get your braces off faster without compromising your orthodontic treatment.
Can You Really Get Your Braces Off Faster?
Yes, you can! However, it requires a combination of patient compliance and good oral hygiene. During your initial consultation, Dr. Feil will give you an estimated treatment time based on your specific needs, typically between one and two years. Factors such as your bite’s complexity and commitment to following the recommended care will influence your overall timeline. Here are a few things you can do to stay on track and possibly complete your treatment sooner.
1. Be Mindful of Your Diet
While braces are designed to be durable, they’re not invincible. What you eat plays a big role in maintaining the integrity of your braces. Certain foods can damage the brackets and wires, which may prolong your treatment time. Avoid the following:
- Crunchy foods (like nuts and chips)
- Sticky foods (such as caramel and chewing gum)
- Hard foods (like hard bread or raw vegetables)
When brackets or wires break, you’ll need an emergency appointment, and any delays in repairs could extend your treatment time. Sticking to soft foods like pasta, eggs, and soft fruits and vegetables will keep your braces in good shape and ensure you stay on track.
2. Protect Your Braces During Sports
If you’re an athlete, wearing a mouthguard is essential to protect your braces and teeth from damage during physical activity. A custom mouthguard, which you can get from your orthodontist, provides the best fit and protection compared to store-bought options. Protecting your braces reduces the risk of damage, helping you avoid setbacks in your treatment timeline.
3. Break Bad Habits
Habits like biting your nails, chewing on pens, or opening packaging with your teeth can damage your braces and cause unnecessary delays. These habits can loosen brackets or wires, requiring repairs and lengthening your treatment time. Find alternative ways to cope with stress, like using a stress ball or journaling, to avoid damaging your braces.
4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth clean is essential for both your oral health and the success of your orthodontic treatment. Braces can trap food and plaque, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and take extra care to clean around the brackets and wires. Interdental brushes or floss threaders can help you clean those hard-to-reach areas.
Maintaining good oral hygiene prevents issues like tooth decay and gum disease, which can slow down your treatment and lead to complications. Additionally, maintaining a clean and healthy smile helps your teeth move more efficiently throughout your treatment.
5. Keep Up with Your Follow-Up Appointments
Regular checkups with Dr. Feil are crucial to the success of your treatment. Every four to six weeks, you’ll need to visit us so we can adjust your braces and make sure your teeth are moving as they should. Skipping or delaying appointments can cause your treatment to fall behind schedule.
Attending these appointments allows us to monitor your progress, make adjustments, and provide tips to ensure your smile is moving in the right direction. Staying on schedule with your visits helps you get closer to the finish line faster.
Stay Focused on Your Smile Goals
Achieving a healthy and beautiful smile takes time and dedication, but by following these tips, you can stay on track and possibly even reduce your treatment time. Our team at Feil Orthodontics is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need to schedule a follow-up appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office in Bismarck, Mandan, or Beulah.
Stay committed to your smile journey, and before you know it, your braces will be off, and you’ll be showing off your brand-new smile!