If you’re beginning orthodontic treatment in Mainville or Liberty Township, you know you’ve got an exciting transformation ahead of you. With your new treatment, the coming months are going to be all about gaining your confidence, improving your oral health, and enjoying a smile that feels great in every setting.
Dr. Eric Hickman and Dr. Sarah Hickman create personalized treatment plans at Hickman Orthodontics using metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign, but what you do at home plays a major role in how smoothly your treatment goes. Here are five ways you can get the most out of your braces or Invisalign treatment.
Five Tips For Braces Users
Tip 1: Prioritize Daily Oral Hygiene
One of the most important tips for braces is to maintain excellent brushing and flossing habits. Brackets and wires create small spaces that collect food particles and plaque, so consistent cleaning is essential. Here are some tips we typically give our patients:
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently brush away debris and leftover bits of food.
- Use tools like a water flosser and an interdental brush to get at hard-to-reach spots in your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth with a fluoride-based mouthwash.
Tip 2: Choose Braces-Friendly Foods
Adjusting what you eat can make your orthodontic treatment much more comfortable. Certain foods can bend wires, loosen brackets, or get stuck in places that are hard to clean. Avoid sticky foods like caramel, gum, and chewy candy, as they pull at braces and cause damage. Steer clear of hard foods as well, like nuts, popcorn kernels, and crunchy chips, which can also break brackets.
Braces patients often find success by choosing softer options, especially during the early days of treatment when their teeth are getting used to the new brackets and wires. Here are some foods we recommend:
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Soft fruits
- Yogurt/ice cream
- Soups.
Being thoughtful about your food choices will help your braces work efficiently, and reduce the time you spend dealing with repairs.
Tip 3: Protect Your Smile During Activities
If you participate in sports, especially contact sports, protecting your braces is essential. A mouthguard helps reduce the risk of injuries and keeps your brackets and wires safe during practices and games. Dr. Eric Hickman and Dr. Sarah Hickman recommend using an orthodontic mouthguard because it fits comfortably around braces and provides strong protection.
If you’re not a sports person, staying mindful of your treatment during activities like bike riding or skating can prevent major accidents. A fall can push a bracket out of place or cause irritation to the cheeks or lips. Keeping a small orthodontic wax packet with you can help reduce discomfort if something feels sharp or out of place.
Tip 4: Stay Consistent With Appointments
Routine appointments at Hickman Orthodontics help ensure your braces stay on track. Adjustments allow your teeth to keep moving as planned and give Dr. Eric Hickman and Dr. Sarah Hickman the opportunity to check your progress. Skipping appointments or delaying them for long periods can slow treatment and may even lead to discomfort once you return.
Many patients benefit from scheduling appointments in advance, especially during busy seasons. Setting reminders on your phone can also help make sure you stay consistent. Regular visits help your orthodontist make small adjustments that add up to major improvements over time.
Tip 5: Be Patient With the Process
Braces do not move teeth overnight. It’s normal to experience some small changes before you see major progress, and it is equally normal to feel some pressure after adjustments. Being patient is one of the most valuable tips for braces, because every month brings you closer to your new smile. Celebrate the small milestones, like when a tooth rotates into place or when your bite begins to feel more comfortable.
If you have questions at any point in your journey, the team at Hickman Orthodontics is there to help. Dr. Eric and Dr. Sarah encourage their patients to communicate concerns and stay engaged with their treatment. A positive mindset makes the process more enjoyable and helps you get the best possible results.
Five Tips for Invisalign Users
Tip 1: Wear Aligners for the Recommended Hours
Invisalign works through consistent pressure, so wearing your aligners for the recommended number of hours each day is one of the most crucial tips for braces and Invisalign. Most patients in Mainville and Liberty Township wear their aligners between 20-22 hours daily. Removing them for too long can delay progress and may require extra time in the final stages.
Try to build a routine where you remove your aligners only for meals and brushing. If you find yourself forgetting to put them back in, set reminders on your phone or leave your case where you will see it easily. The more consistently you wear your aligners, the more predictably your teeth will move.
Tip 2: Keep Aligners Clean
Clear aligners stay nearly invisible when they’re clean, which is one of the major benefits of Invisalign for teens and adults. But you have to keep them clean, otherwise you’ll wind up with misty or weird-smelling trays. Rinse your aligners each time you take them out, so saliva and debris don’t dry on the surface. Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and some water (don’t use toothpaste, because it can create small scratches).
Patients sometimes enjoy occasionally using cleaning crystals or dissolvable cleaning tablets for a deeper clean. These crystals help remove build-up and keep your aligners fresh throughout your treatment.
Tip 3: Track Your Aligner Changes Carefully
At Hickman Orthodontics, Dr. Eric and Dr. Sarah provide personalized instructions for when it’s time for you to switch to a new set of trays. Staying on schedule is essential. If you change too early, your teeth may not be ready. If you change too late, your progress may stall.
We recommend you keep a small calendar or note on your phone to track your change date. You might also set reminders so you never miss a transition day. If something feels off, like an aligner fitting loosely or feeling unusually tight, contact the office and let us know! The team at Hickman Orthodontics is here to help you.
Tip 4: Store Aligners Properly When Not in Use
One of the most common Invisalign issues both Mainville and Liberty Township patients run across is what they do with their trays when they’re not in use. Because the trays are clear and lightweight, they can easily disappear if they’re wrapped in a napkin or left on a countertop. Their rattling sound in your aligner case can make your trays very appealing to dogs as well.
The best approach is to store them in your aligner case every time you remove them. Keep your case in a consistent spot, whether you are at school, at work, or at home. Using your case also keeps your aligners safe from pets, heat, and surfaces that may contain bacteria. Good storage habits will protect your investment and help your treatment stay on track.
Tip 5: Expect Subtle Pressure and Celebrate Progress
Just like braces, Invisalign moves your teeth through gentle pressure. You may feel tightness when putting in a new tray, which means your aligners are doing their job. This sensation usually fades within a day or two.
Tracking your progress can keep you motivated. Some patients take monthly photos to see how their smile transforms over time. Others enjoy comparing each new set of trays to see how much their bite has shifted. Dr. Eric and Dr. Sarah support their patients at every step and encourage them to ask questions or share updates throughout their Invisalign journey.
Hickman Orthodontics – Giving the Gift of Beautiful Smiles
Whether you choose metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign, following these tips for braces and Invisalign can make your orthodontic treatment smoother, more comfortable, and more efficient. Hickman Orthodontics is proud to care for families throughout Mainville and Liberty Township, with personalized treatment plans and guidance from your first consultation to your final appointment.
Ready to get started on your own orthodontic treatment? Schedule a free consultation at our Mainville or Liberty Township office today and get a jumpstart on your smile goals!