Two tips to keep in mind if you want the process of undergoing orthodontic treatment to go smoothly

If you will be getting braces fitted, here are some tips to ensure that the treatment process goes smoothly.

Visit your dentist if you spot any signs of gum disease

It is absolutely crucial to go to visit your dentist if, at any point during this treatment process, you notice changes in your oral health that might indicate the presence of gum disease. The reason for this is as follows; whilst gum disease can cause serious dental health complications in people who do not wear braces, it can be particularly problematic for those who are receiving orthodontic treatment.

If you ignore the warning signs that you have developed this disease (such as blood in your saliva after you brush your teeth or the swelling and reddening of your gum tissue), this could not only have long-term consequences for your general oral health but could also negatively affect the results of your orthodontic treatment.

For example, if this disease is not treated promptly, it may advance to the point where the pockets around your gums become so large that your teeth start to loosen. If this were to happen whilst you were still undergoing this treatment, your loose teeth may not move into the correct positions, as their looseness will affect the amount of pressure that the braces can impose upon them. Furthermore, soon after you get your braces removed, your newly straightened teeth may end up falling out or having to be extracted.

As such, it is essential to get this issue dealt with promptly, before it compromises the effectiveness of the orthodontics or leads to you losing teeth.

Wear the right type of mouthguard if you will be participating in any vigorous types of exercise

If you're a fan of any vigorous types of physical activity (like martial arts or running) and you are determined to keep your braces in perfect condition throughout the treatment process, then it essential to ensure that you protect your orthodontics whilst you participate in this activity by wearing a mouthguard that is designed specifically for people who are receiving orthodontic treatment.

The reason for this is as follows; generic mouthguards are often the wrong shape and size for people with braces. As such, if you wear this kind of mouthguard, you may find that it doesn't sit neatly against your teeth and braces and that it tends to slide off your teeth and leave the upper part (i.e. the area that is closest to the gum line) exposed.

If you wear this type of mouthguard whilst, for example, you are participating in a martial arts class, it could slide off just as you are being kicked or punched in the mouth. This could result in the wires of the braces bending or breaking and the brackets cracking. It could take your orthodontist several hours to repair this damage.