Orthodontic treatment has now become a necessity, not a luxury. With the competitive nature of work life, your appearance is considered as important as your education and talents. But what do you know about what can happen to you when you decide to start this treatment? I’ve tried to summarize a few things that you might experience.

Fixed Orthodontic Treatment

• After brackets are glued, there may be sensitivity and pain during chewing for 3-10 days. This period is temporary, during this time, soft foods can be consumed, and painkillers can be used.
• Teeth must be brushed at least twice a day with a normal toothbrush and at least once with an interdental brush while the wires are in the mouth. Otherwise, swelling and bleeding of the gums; permanent stains and decay around the brackets can occur. If the swelling of the gums becomes persistent, surgery may be required.
• When the brackets are in the mouth, consuming acidic beverages (such as soda, lemonade, mineral water, etc.), consuming sticky foods (such as large chewing gum, lollipops, etc.), peeling nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc.) with teeth, is prohibited.
• Hard fruits (such as apples, pears, quince, etc.) should be sliced and not bitten.
• Pitted foods (such as olives, cherries, medlars, dates, etc.) should be pitted or consumed with care.
• If you like to eat boiled corn, it would be more comfortable for you to choose corn in a cup during your treatment.
• You should go to the doctor for control every 3-6 weeks.
• After your treatment is completed, reinforcement must be done to prevent relapse. Reinforcement treatment lasts at least 2 years.

Active Orthodontic Treatment

Intraoral Appliances (Lingual, Clear Braces):

• During the first week after the appliance is fitted, difficulty with speaking and swallowing and excessive saliva production are normal complaints. These complaints will pass as the appliance is used regularly.
• The appliance should be cleaned daily with a brush and toothpaste by removing it when brushing teeth at least twice a day.
• The appliances should be disinfected once a week with dental cleaning tablets available from a pharmacy. My recommendation is to do this daily.
• The appliances should be used for at least 18-20 hours a day.
• When not in use, the appliances should always be stored in the special cases provided to you, wrapped in a tissue, and not carried in your pocket. Otherwise, the appliances can be lost, broken, or thrown away.
• If your appliance is lost or unused and becomes non-compliant, your doctor may charge you a fee.

Extraoral Appliances (Headgear, Neckgear, Cap):

• They must be used for at least 16-18 hours a day.
• Cleaning can be done by hand, with warm water and soap, or in a machine with a delicate program in a laundry bag.
• Marks on the head and hair may occur with appliances attached to the head, these marks are temporary and nothing to worry about.
• If there is irritation on the skin, the metal parts can be covered with a plaster, and special pads obtained from your doctor can be placed on the parts of the fabric that are irritating.
• The patient is responsible for lost or broken appliances and your doctor may charge a fee for replacement.
• You must visit your doctor for a check-up every 3-6 weeks.
• After your treatment, reinforcement must be done to prevent relapse. Reinforcement treatment lasts at least 2 years.

I hope you have found this guide helpful. Have a healthy day…