During these uncertain times, it is a challenge to get back into the orthodontist office to have your treatment monitored by your orthodontist. Since patients are partners in the process of excellent oral health, here are some helpful tips for Invisalign & braces during a quarantine.
Oral Health Tips for Invisalign & Braces During a Quarantine
One of the wonderful things you can do for yourself is keeping a close eye on your oral health. You should already be brushing your teeth a minimum of twice a day, being extra careful around your brackets. If you are wearing Invisalign aligners, make sure you take them out twice a day to clean both your teeth and the aligners themselves.
After drinking beverages that are acidic or sugary, rinse your mouth out with water. You can also help your oral health during quarantine by brushing your teeth every time you eat or have a snack. Furthermore, flossing at least once a day is essential. Make sure you use a mirror to check that you brushed away all food particles and debris.
Tips for Our Patients
Invisalign
Continue your schedule for switching out your Invisalign aligners. Be sure to keep up with the timing of aligners to ensure you stay on track for your treatment, even when there is a delay in seeing the orthodontist. If you find yourself near the end of your final set of trays, stretch out the intervals to 10 to 14 days.
Braces
If you wear rubber bands to help align teeth with your traditional braces, please continue to do so at night only. And if you are about to run out of your elastic bands, give us a call or send an email so we can work together to get you what you need.
If you are wearing an expander, turn the expander every two weeks rather than every week.
For those with traditional braces, know that your wires have memory and will continue to move your teeth.
Food Guidelines for Braces
At Centralia Orthodontics, we understand accidents happen, and sometimes brackets from braces pop off. During quarantine, it is essential to avoid foods that tend to cause problems for those with braces. With so much uncertainty with when visits can resume, it pays to be extra careful. Avoid hard, crunchy foods and sticky foods that attach to brackets.
Contact Centralia Orthodontics
Dr. Lasley and the professional team at Centralia Orthodontics are ready to help you with your questions and to give you more tips for Invisalign & braces during a quarantine. We can be reached at (360) 736-0129. You also can visit www.centraliaorthodontics.com to use our convenient chat feature.
