Month: March 2021

When most orthodontic treatments end, patients will still need help retaining their new smiles. This is commonly done with a retainer. If you want your orthodontic treatment to have lasting effects, it’s pertinent that you wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist in Palos Hills.

Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you’ll be given one of three different types of retainers:

• Traditional Retainers – A removable piece made of acrylic and wire that attaches to the top of your mouth and sits on the front side of your teeth
• Clear Retainers – A removable, clear plastic tray that fits over your teeth
• Bonded Retainers – A thin, fixed wire that is temporarily attached to the inside of the anterior teeth

How Should I Wear My Retainer?

Our orthodontist in Palos Hills will provide you with solid options suited for your treatment plan. Your retainer should be worn as often as you’re instructed to do so. Even though your teeth have been under constant stress for the past couple years, wearing your retainer right after treatment is necessary. Depending on your dentist’s instruction, retainers should be worn at all times.

How to Clean a Retainer

Because wearing your retainer is a crucial part of your orthodontic treatment, it’s important to keep it clean. Bacteria and plaque can pose a threat to your retainer, just like your teeth. To prevent buildup, make sure you’re cleaning it regularly.

Regardless of what material your retainer is made of, the cleaning process will be nearly the same. Start by wetting your toothbrush and scrubbing the mouthpiece from top to bottom. Be diligent around small crevices. Also remember to regularly disinfect your device by letting it sit in mouthwash or an approved cleaning solution. Before placing the retainer back in your mouth, remember to rinse it with cool water.

Be sure to contact our Palos Hills orthodontic office for more information about your retainer, and protect that smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Getting used to orthodontic braces can be an uncomfortable experience. However, loose brackets or wires can also cause pain, an issue that could cause bigger problems if not addressed quickly. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your oral health. Here are a few remedies to help with mild irritation; however, be sure to contact your Palos Hills orthodontist if any of these problems persist.

Irritation and Soreness

When you get your first set of braces, minor discomfort is common for the first few days. Your lips, cheeks and tongue won’t be used to the metal in your mouth, so they might rub against the wires or brackets and become scratched or irritated.

If your braces continue to cause irritation, here are a few things you can do to address it. First, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. A dry mouth tends to worsen the irritated areas. Next, be sure to regularly brush and rinse your mouth to limit the food or debris that could contribute to the irritation. Third, remember to use wax to cover the irritating parts of your braces. If the soreness continues, schedule an appointment with our orthodontist in Palos Hills to further examine the problem.

Damaged Braces

While unlikely, it’s possible for your braces to become damaged while you are wearing them. Perhaps the most frequent issue is when brackets or wires become loose or dislodged. These issues are no cause for panic, as our team is able to quickly address the problem. Schedule an appointment with our orthodontist in Palos Hills soon as possible to have your braces corrected.

Oral Injuries Caused by Braces

While wearing braces, you’re also more likely to become injured when doing physical activity. Try wearing a mouthguard when participating in sports or workouts to reduce the risk of damage to your tongue, lips, and cheeks. You can also apply wax to the parts of your braces that are causing the most irritation to avoid serious cuts.

Of course, not everyone who has braces ends up harming themselves, but there are risks with metal in the mouth. Being proactive against potential injuries is the best form of prevention but if you experience any pain or discomfort when wearing braces, contact Paul DiFranco Orthodontics of Palos Hills for a fast appointment.