The results of adult braces before and after will vary between patients but you have the greatest chance of achieving your desired results when you follow your dentist’s advice. Not following your dentist’s advice could also mean an extended treatment time to achieve your desired results.
You will be shown various treatment options by your dentist and will probably see before and after pictures to help you decide which will work best for you. Remember that these results can only be achieved with proper oral care. This means:
Practicing Exemplary Dental Hygiene
When you have braces it is essential that you clean them well. If you have traditional braces, any caught up debris or plaque that is not removed can ultimately lead to tooth decay. If you have invisible braces, not cleaning them properly can cause staining and discolouration.
You should be brushing after every meal or at least three times a day. Remember that each brushing session should last for at least two minutes to really give your teeth and orthodontic appliances a good clean. Because braces are tougher on bristles than teeth you may find it necessary to replace your toothbrush more often.
Use An Interdental Toothbrush
An interdental toothbrush is very useful when wearing braces because it allows you to clean the smaller parts of your braces that your toothbrush can’t reach. You should use the interdental toothbrush before brushing with your regular toothbrush.
Don’t Forget The Floss
It isn’t as easy to floss with traditional braces so if you have aligners this step should be a breeze. If you do have traditional braces it is important to persevere, to ensure that you clean between your teeth and along the gum line.
Attend All Your Appointments
You will need to see your dentist more regularly than before you had braces. Adjustments will need to be made to your appliances, and your dentist will want to check up on your progress regularly. He will also want to check your mouth regularly for signs of decay.
Missing visits and those essential adjustments can extend your treatment period. If you are wearing aligners you will need to have them replaced every second week.
What To Expect After Adult Braces
Life after adult braces is very exciting for our patients, particularly if the state of their smile has bothered them for some time. It’s quite likely that you will need to wear a retainer after your braces, to prevent your teeth from drifting back into their old position. This is very important because many people who have not followed this advice have found the results disappointing.
Some people are so thrilled with the results of orthodontic treatment that they celebrate with a whitening treatment! When you are presented with your treatment options be sure to ask to see adult braces before and after pictures for each of the treatment options your dentist is suggesting. This will give you a good indication of the kind of results you can expect. To find out more about adult braces contact our practice today: (02) 9158 6753.