Many patients undergoing orthodontic treatment often feel like they’re in a constant race against time, eagerly anticipating the day their braces will come off. It’s common for them to ask how they can reduce their treatment duration and reach their dream smile faster. If you’ve ever wondered the same, you’re not alone.
That’s why, today, the Rhoads Orthodontics team is here to share some valuable and effective tips to help you potentially shorten your treatment time and get those braces off sooner than expected.
What is Retention?
The word retention is used in reference to the phase after active orthodontic treatment, where the goal becomes keeping your amazing results in place. This is a super important stage because it ensures that your teeth remain in their new positions and don’t shift back into their original alignment. Let’s look closer at what retention entails:
- Retention Devices: Once your braces or clear aligners are removed, Dr. Rhoads provides you with retainers. These can be fixed (attached to the back of the teeth) or removable (plastic or wire-based). Retainers help to hold the teeth in place while allowing the surrounding bone and tissues to adjust to their new positions.
- Importance of Compliance: The most vital part of this phase is your own compliance. You must wear your retainers as directed to prevent relapse and undo all of your hard work.
- Duration of Retention: The length of time you’ll need to wear retainers can vary from patient to patient. You might initially need to wear them full-time and then slowly switch to wearing them at night. Dr. Rhoads will provide you with a schedule based on your individual case.
- Regular Check-ups: Your visits with Rhoads Orthodontics don’t stop after active treatment! Follow-up visits are key to monitoring your teeth’ stability and ensuring your retainers are fitting properly. We can make adjustments to your retention as needed.
Speeding Up the Process
So, how can you accelerate the overall process? This typically depends on carefully following your instructions from Rhoads Orthodontics and maintaining good hygiene. Here are some additional tips for active treatment to get you to retention faster:
- Adhere to Our Advice: Follow Dr. Rhoads’s recommendations for wearing rubber bands, aligners, and other appliances as prescribed. Missing appointments can also delay your progress.
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Having braces usually means needing a good oral hygiene routine, which also needs to extend into the retention phase. Brush and floss your teeth as usual to prevent the formation of cavities and gum disease, both of which can interfere with the treatment and cause further delays.
- Avoid Foods That Damage Braces: There’s a long list of foods to avoid when wearing braces, and it’s important to be diligent about this. Steer clear of hard, sticky, or sugary foods, all of which can damage your braces and/or prolong the treatment time.
- Attend All Appointments: Attend all scheduled appointments during your active treatment. These are used for monitoring progress and making adjustments to your orthodontic device. Missing these can delay your treatment.
- Use an Electric Toothbrush: Using an electric toothbrush helps ensure a thorough cleaning, which is vital for avoiding problems that could extend your treatment.
- Report Any Issues Promptly: If you ever experience any issues with your braces, like loose brackets or wires, inform Dr. Rhoads immediately to prevent treatment delays. Waiting to resolve issues can be dangerous to the overall success of your treatment plan and result in discomfort.
- Follow Up on Any Necessary Adjustments: If our team recommends additional adjustments or changes to your treatment plan, be sure to follow up promptly. Again, putting off these kinds of things is never a wise idea.
- Consider Clear Aligners: In some cases, people may elect to transition to clear aligners after a certain period of time with a traditional appliance. This depends heavily on individual circumstances, though.
- Stay Positive and Patient: Despite our best efforts, your treatment time can be longer due to your specific orthodontic situation. Staying positive and committed is critical to a positive outcome with your braces.
FAQs About Retention
Q: Will I need to wear retainers for the rest of my life?
Many patients wear them for several years post-treatment, and it is possible that you’ll need to wear them part-time indefinitely. Again, Rhoads Orthodontics will be able to make this call for you.
Q: Can I eat with my retainer in?
No, it should always be removed when eating or drinking anything besides water. Food particles can get trapped in the retainer and affect oral hygiene.
Q: What if I lose or damage my retainer?
If this happens, contact our office as soon as possible. We can provide you with guidance on how to proceed or get a replacement fabricated to maintain your treatment results. For information on potential orthodontic emergencies, visit this page on our website.
Safe and Secure
We hope this blog has shed light on just how important your role is in ensuring the success of your treatment and provided you with a clearer understanding of what to expect once your braces come off. The period following your braces is just as crucial as the time spent wearing them, and staying informed is key to maintaining your results. At Rhoads Orthodontics, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way—from your free initial consultation all the way through your post-treatment care. So, never hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. We’re always here to help, and we’d love to see you at our Cranberry Township office soon!