Here at Scaffidi Orthodontics, we’re proud to provide high-quality, family-oriented orthodontic care. Our talented team, cutting-edge technology, and innovative treatments allow us to create beautiful smiles for patients of all ages throughout New Orleans, Kenner, and Slidell, but the main piece of the puzzle is you! Patient compliance is essential to the treatment process. By following the guidelines you’re given and caring for your smile between orthodontic visits, you can help ensure the best results in the shortest amount of time possible!
If you’re already a patient here, you probably know that failure to maintain treatment guidelines can hinder your progress. Even dental issues like cavities and gum disease can interrupt or delay your treatment plan, lead to a longer treatment time, and, in severe cases,even impact your final results! With that in mind, let’s take a look at how you can keep your smile in good shape between visits with us.
Evaluate your dental hygiene routine
At the risk of repeating ourselves, it’s essential for orthodontic patients to maintain a top-notch oral hygiene routine. This can take a little extra effort if you’re wearing braces since the brackets and wires add extra places where food particles and bacteria may get trapped against the teeth. If these aren’t brushed or flossed away, plaque and bacteria can build up and make you more susceptible to dental issues. To get the most out of brushing and flossing, stick to these basic tips from Dr. Scaffidi:
- Brush after every meal and snack. If you wear braces, be sure to brush around each part of them.
- Use fluoridated toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles to brush gently at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line, moving the toothbrush across every surface of every tooth to effectively remove bacteria and any debris.
- Floss every night before bed to remove bacteria and any food that has accumulated throughout the day. Use tools like floss threaders and Waterpiks to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if you have a cold or any other illness.
You can use antimicrobial and fluoride mouthwashes to help further improve your oral health.
Keep up with your regular dentist appointments
Follow-up visits with our team are an essential part of the treatment process, but it’s important to see your dentist during this time, too! You’re under our care as we straighten your smile, but your dentist is still your primary oral health physician. That means they’re responsible for helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums, as well as identifying any potential issues.
Like adjustment appointments with Dr. Scaffidi, your dentist will use routine check-ups to ensure everything is functioning as it should be. They’ll also conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, and provide you with a professional cleaning. We encourage every orthodontic patient to see their family dentist once every six months to keep their smiles happy and healthy!
Create an on-the-go care kit for your braces
After a year (or longer!) of sticking close to home, most of us are finally beginning to venture out a bit more. Stay prepared for any minor orthodontic emergencies while you’re out and about by creating a “care kit” to keep with you. Dr. Scaffidi recommends packing it with some essential items like:
- a soft-bristled toothbrush
- a small tube of fluoride toothpaste
- dental floss or ortho picks
- orthodontic wax
- extra rubber bands
- lip balm
- a small cup for rinsing with water
- an unsharpened pencil (you can use the eraser end to push stray wires back into place!)
Throw everything together in a portable bag and keep it with you so you’ll have everything you need for any problems that might pop up in between appointments.
Follow your orthodontist’s guidelines
As a trained and experienced orthodontist, Dr. Scaffidi is an expert on all things smile-related! It’s crucial that you listen to his instructions for your treatment plan. For example, you may have elastics to wear with your braces. You should continue to change them out exactly as directed in between your follow-up appointments. If you’ve recently completed your treatment with us, always wear your retainer as directed to keep your newly straightened smile in place.
Your compliance is key to the overall success of your treatment, so stay on top of our recommendations at all times to enjoy your best smile!
Keep your smile and feeling great with Scaffidi Orthodontics
We should all be striving for excellent oral health by maintaining a good dental hygiene routine. However, this is especially important for anyone wearing braces or clear aligners! By following the guidelines and tips we’ve listed above, you’ll be able to keep your mouth in tip-top shape as we work to straighten your smile.
Do you have any questions or concerns about your orthodontic care? Would you like to learn more about how you can improve your oral health? Get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE initial consultation or follow-up appointment with Dr. Scaffidi and the rest of our talented team!