Starting orthodontic treatment is an important step toward achieving healthy and properly aligned teeth. However, the success of the treatment does not depend solely on applying braces or clear aligners. Paying careful attention to daily oral care, adjusting eating habits, and not missing control appointments are also vital parts of the treatment process.
Feeling mild pressure on the teeth, sensitivity, or discomfort during chewing are expected occurrences during the first few days. In most patients, these complaints gradually diminish within a few days.
Serving in Adana, Orthodontic Specialist Spec. Dt. Emin Serhat Arıkan provides personalized follow-up during orthodontic treatment by evaluating his patients' dental structure, treatment plan, and individual needs, offering guidance on care at every stage of the treatment.
What Might Be Experienced in the First Few Days After Starting Orthodontic Treatment?
After orthodontic treatment begins and teeth start to move, some temporary symptoms may be observed.
Among these:
- Mild pressure feeling on the teeth,
- Sensitivity while chewing,
- Irritation on lips and cheeks due to brackets,
- Temporary adaptation process in speech,
- A slight feeling of discomfort in the first few days may occur. These symptoms mostly decrease within a few days.
What Should Be Taken Care of in the First Few Days After Orthodontic Treatment Starts?
During the initial period of treatment, following certain recommendations can be beneficial for oral tissues to adapt to the new orthodontic system.
Nutrition
Choosing soft, easy-to-chew foods such as soup, yogurt, puree, bananas, boiled vegetables, and soft pasta during the first few days of treatment can provide comfort.
Irritations Inside the Mouth
Sensitivity may occur in areas where brackets contact the inner surface of lips or cheeks. Orthodontic wax recommended by the orthodontist can help protect these areas.
Sensitivity
The feeling of pressure on the teeth is generally temporary. If deemed necessary, only medications recommended by the physician should be used.
Which Foods Should Be Avoided During Orthodontic Treatment?
During treatment, certain foods can cause brackets to break or wires to become damaged.
Foods to be mindful of include:
- Hard-shelled foods,
- Hard crackers,
- Ice-chewing habit,
- Caramel,
- Chewing gum,
- Gummy candy,
- Sticky sweets.
- Hard fruits such as apples and pears can be consumed by cutting them into small pieces rather than biting into them directly.
How Should Oral Care Be Performed During Orthodontic Treatment?
Maintaining oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is important for both dental health and the healthy progression of treatment.
For daily dental care, brushing teeth after every meal, using an orthodontic toothbrush, thoroughly cleaning around the wires with an interdental brush, using orthodontic dental floss (Superfloss), and preferring appropriate mouthwashes in line with doctor recommendations can be advised. Regular oral care can contribute to reducing plaque accumulation, preserving gum health, and reducing the risk of staining around brackets.
In Which Situations Should You Consult the Orthodontist?
During the treatment process, it is recommended to contact the orthodontist in the following situations:
- One of the brackets coming off
- An orthodontic wire poking into the cheek
- Breakage in fixed appliances
- Severe pain that persists for a long time
- Disruption in the fit of clear aligners
- Breakage or loosening of a retainer
Early intervention can contribute to the treatment process continuing as planned.
Why is the Retention Period Important After Orthodontic Treatment?
After active orthodontic treatment is completed, the retention period begins to allow teeth to preserve their new positions. Because it takes time for the bone and connective tissues surrounding the teeth to adapt to the new position, regular use of retention appliances recommended by the orthodontist is important during this process.
Why Might Teeth Shift Again After Orthodontic Treatment?
In some patients, tooth movement may be observed again following treatment.
Factors that can cause this include:
- Failure to use a retainer
- Irregular wear of clear retention aligners
- Tongue thrusting and improper swallowing issues
- Teeth-clenching and teeth-grinding tendencies
- Nail-biting
- Neglecting regular oral care
- Ongoing jaw development in certain individuals
What Should Be Taken Care of to Preserve Teeth After Orthodontic Treatment?
To preserve the outcome achieved after treatment for many years:
- Retainers should be used as recommended.
- Clear retention aligners should be worn regularly.
- Daily oral and dental care should be continued.
- Eating hard foods should be avoided.
- Check-up days should not be missed.
- If habits such as teeth-clenching exist, the orthodontist should be informed.
How is Orthodontic Treatment Follow-up Conducted in Adana?
The success of orthodontic treatment is not limited solely to placing braces. Regular check-ups, proper oral care, and patient compliance with treatment contribute to preserving long-term outcomes.
Serving in Adana, Orthodontic Specialist Spec. Dt. Emin Serhat Arıkan performs personalized control planning by regularly monitoring his patients' oral health, tooth movements, and retention period at every stage of the orthodontic treatment process.
Adult Orthodontics
