Orthodontic treatment can be a lengthy process, so preventing delays is a top priority of the Tanner and Reichhold Orthodontic team. To help our patients keep their treatment on track, we’ve provided a short list of tips on how to prevent setbacks in your treatment plan.
1. Keep your appointments: Each visit to our office is carefully planned to help adjust your teeth in a specific way and time frame. Missing appointments can add weeks, if not months to your treatment time line. Notifying the office staff and rescheduling your appointment in a timely manner is crucial to keeping your treatment plan on schedule. Please be mindful that calling to reschedule your appointment a day or so before your scheduled appointment may push your new appointment out weeks!
2. Let us know of problems with your braces: It is important that our team knows when you have a loose or missing wire, need more rubber bands, or have a broken bracket or band so that we can resolve the issue quickly. When patients fail or forget to notify our team of these issues, their treatment may not be completed as planned and delays can and oftentimes do occur. Sometimes waiting too long can create bigger and more permanent problems.
3. Wear your rubber bands: Eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away – or in this case wearing your rubber bands as prescribed by Dr. Tanner and Dr. Reichhold keeps your treatment plan moving on schedule! Most, if not all, of our patients will need to wear elastics or rubber bands at some point during their treatment. Not wearing them or not wearing them enough can slow down your treatment significantly. Rubber bands are critical in aligning your bite and the bite-fixing phase of treatment.
4. Maintain good oral hygiene: This cannot be emphasized enough! Make a conscious effort to continue flossing regularly and brushing at least twice a day. Not brushing your teeth or flossing allows sugar to wear away at the cement on your braces, which in turn makes them less effective in moving your teeth. Poor dental hygiene also increases your risk of developing cavities, tooth decay and scars from your braces. All of these things will inevitably delay your treatment time.
Keep these tips in mind throughout your orthodontic treatment process to prevent setbacks and delays. Let our staff know if you have any questions about the tips listed or general questions about your treatment plan.
By Dr. Gary Reichhold
JUN
About the Author:
Dr. Gary Reichhold and his partner Dr. Stephen Tanner have been proudly serving families in Concord, Walnut Creek, Clayton, Pleasant Hill and the surrounding communities for over 20 years. Their office is conveniently located in central Contra Costa County and their experienced team is committed to providing you and your family with exceptional orthodontic care.