Congratulations on getting your braces! You’re on the path to a great smile, and we’re here to help. Dr. McDonough and our team want you to achieve the very best outcome, which means you’ll need to make a few lifestyle changes while you’re in braces. For the best outcome, we ask that you be on time for appointments, choose wisely what you eat, keep your teeth clean, and wear elastics as directed.
Keeping Appointments
Maintaining your visits to our Missoula orthodontic office allows us to keep track your progress, adjust your appliances, and monitor your oral hygiene. Any delays in your office visits could delay your treatment, so we ask that you are careful not to miss your scheduled appointments.
Eating with Braces
Patients and their parents are always concerned about what they can and can't eat during their orthodontic treatment. Since braces are put on with the intention of coming off someday, avoiding things that are hard and crunchy will help the brackets stay in place until we're done. Don’t worry; you’ll be back to chewing gum and eating crunchy chips in no time!
It’s also not just about what you can and can’t eat, but how you eat it. You can still eat fresh fruit and raw vegetables if you cut them up instead of eating them whole. By being aware that braces are temporary and choosing to prepare foods properly, you will have a great experience, good health, and a beautiful smile.
Caring For Your Braces at Home
We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, to clear off the harmful bacteria and acids that build up around the brackets. You’ll also need to use a fluoridated toothpaste, as Missoula’s public water does not have fluoride in it. Using a power toothbrush can make this process much easier and effective. You should also floss or use a water-flosser consistently to ensure that the areas between your teeth stay healthy.
It is also vital to maintain your regular dental cleanings every six months or more frequently depending on your dentist's recommendations. When your treatment is complete, your investment in your smile will lead to a healthy, long-lasting smile—not damaged teeth and irritated gums.
Dealing with Discomfort
As your braces start to work, your teeth will be sore until your body adjusts to the movement of your teeth. Then the discomfort will go away. You may also notice discomfort from the wires and brackets themselves, which is where wax comes in. You can cover any areas of irritation, whether it’s a bracket or a poking wire, with wax until it's convenient for you to have it addressed. We always have someone available to take care of any discomfort you experience; just call our after-hours phone number (406) 207-6104. If a bracket comes off, don’t panic; just call the office and bring the bracket in at a convenient time so we can replace it.
The Granite Peak Difference
When you choose Granite Peak Orthodontics for your orthodontic treatment, you can rest assured that you are in the best possible hands. Granite Peak Orthodontics is the only orthodontic office in Missoula offering Damon™ Smile self-ligating braces, for the cleanest, most comfortable, and fastest way to get the results you want.
Dr. McDonough is also one of the most experienced providers of Invisalign® clear aligners in the state. Having treated hundreds of cases of all types and ages, Dr. McDonough can give you the best result you can get with Invisalign.
Last is our approach. Whether you are a patient or a parent, we want you to understand each step of the process so you know exactly what you’re getting and what you should be doing to keep things moving along. We believe well-informed patients and parents lead to the very best result in the best way.
To learn more about all the treatments offered at Granite Peak Orthodontics, schedule an appointment at our Missoula, MT orthodontic office!
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