National Smile Month 2021: Orthodontic Treatment

National Smile Month 2021: Orthodontic Treatment

National Smile Month 2021 falls between 17th May and 17th June 2021. The aim of the campaign is for the Oral Health Foundation to raise awareness on important health issues to help millions of people with their oral health. We will be offering advice on orthodontic treatment.

 

What to Expect at Your First Orthodontist Visit

An orthodontist is a dental professional who has qualified as a dentist and taken the next steps into specialist training for orthodontics. They are trained to give your teeth the best chances at being straight for a healthy looking smile.

 

Your first visit to an orthodontist may just be a consultation to examine your teeth and discuss your treatment options. For some, you may need to have x-rays, and photographs or impressions of your teeth taken. Having your braces fitted on your first appointment is unlikely, so if you have any questions before your treatment begins, please ask your orthodontist.

 

When to Visit Your Orthodontist

If you are already receiving teeth straightening treatment, it is important to attend orthodontic appointments when booked for you. This allows your orthodontist to monitor the progress of your treatment and make any necessary adjustments.

 

There may also be orthodontic emergencies where it is important for you to call your orthodontist as soon as possible. Possible orthodontic emergencies may include:

  • Brace or appliance has broken
  • Wire is painfully poking into your cheek
  • You’re in a lot of pain and it cannot be eased with recommended brace care

Tender teeth and a sore mouth are normal when your braces are first fitted and can be treated with over the counter painkillers. However, if your teeth become increasingly tender during your treatment, please contact your orthodontist for advice.

 

Caring for Your Braces

When having your braces fitted, it is important to ask your orthodontist about brace care. Different designs require different types of care, as fixed braces may require more maintenance compared to removable appliances.

 

Continuing with your daily oral care routine is essential, including brushing twice daily and regularly flossing and using mouthwash. This is even more important when undergoing orthodontic treatment, in order to avoid food debris becoming trapped in your brace. When you are away from home, it’s important not to forget to continue following an excellent brace care routine. It is also essential to visit your dentist for your regular check-up.

 

Interdental brushes help to clean away plaque and food caught under your brace wires and between the brackets where your normal toothbrush can struggle to reach.

 

If you are wearing fixed braces and therefore cannot remove them during meals, making a few adaptations to your diet will make brace care easier. Chewy, sticky or hard foods should be avoided to prevent damaging wires or brackets on your braces. Limiting how much sugar is in your diet can also prevent it from mixing with saliva to create plaque.

 

For further guidance on brace care and oral hygiene please click here.

 

Book an Orthodontic Appointment

As part of National Smile Month 2021 make your oral health a priority by seeking orthodontic treatment if you have any teeth misalignment concerns. At Dulwich Orthodontics we are located in South East London, offering an impressive range of braces and appliances. We offer orthodontic treatment for both adults and children, which can be booked via our online contact form.