Do you feel like your periodic visits to the orthodontist are an inconvenience? Are you constantly wondering why do orthodontists tighten braces? While these appointments may seem unnecessary, they are actually crucial to the success and effectiveness of your braces. Without these appointments, your braces will fail to shift your teeth properly, making the process unsuccessful. The routine tightening appointments are a necessary and important part of your treatment in order to properly adjust and facilitate tooth alignment. Put in simple terms, without tightening your traditional metal braces, you won’t get the results you want. Closing the gaps and straightening the teeth requires gentle pressure exerted consistently over time.
Why Do Orthodontists Tighten Braces?
So, why do orthodontists tighten braces? The tightening of the brackets helps to shift the teeth gradually where they belong. This process helps to straighten teeth and close any gaps you might have.
How often you tighten and by and how much depends on the speed whereby the final results are attained and discomfort level the patient will allow. Your orthodontist will discuss the options with you during the consultation. Moving forward with the process, your orthodontist will ask for you to make appointments to tighten, adjust, and replace components of your braces. These appointments will help achieve the look you want without damaging the teeth.
If your braces become loose, the first thing to do is to call your orthodontist and make an appointment for an immediate fix. In the meantime, you can use an eraser tip or dental wax to cover any protruding wires that my cut or irritate your inner mouth.
After a tightening appointment, it is common for the teeth and mouth to be sore. Dental wax is best to help the soft oral tissues of your mouth should irritation occur after the appointments. Different types of braces can irritate the mouth, which is also common. It is a useful temporary tool for relief until the tissues toughen or your orthodontist fixes the problem. Simply take a small pea-sized dab of wax and roll it between your fingers—after washing your hands, of course. Next, put the wax where you need relief.
Braces with Ricci Orthodontics
Whether you need new braces, a braces adjustment, or just have general questions, you need Ricci Orthodontics. Dr. Steven Ricci and his team are here to answer all of your questions, like why do orthodontists tighten braces. We will also help you make the best decision regarding your oral health and care. We provide the following Johns Creek orthodontic services for our patients:
Ready to achieve the smile of your dreams? Contact Ricci Orthodontics today by calling [Direct] to make an appointment and begin with our services.
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