Braces are a right of passage for many people, including adults. Most experience this adjustment of wearing metal brackets or plastic aligners on their teeth. But, it’s also a big change, and sometimes, it might even be a little tricky to know if the braces or Invisalign are working. How can you tell? At Carvalho & Roth Orthodontics in Marlborough, Northborough, and Newton, we are here to help you through your adjustment period, to teach you what may harm your braces or aligners, and what you can do to ensure you have the most efficient treatment possible.
Braces Basic
Braces are comprised of three basic parts: the bracket, the bonding mechanism, and the wire. These three parts work slowly to improve the alignment of your teeth, bite, and jaw by gradually moving your teeth into the desired position. All three parts need to be connected to your teeth, unharmed, to work properly and actually move your teeth. Unfortunately, if any of these parts are broken, they will not be moving your teeth correctly or at all. Similarly, invisalign consists of clear, plastic aligners that fit directly over your teeth and will be changed every two weeks to move your teeth into the correct position slowly. If any part of your aligner is broken or cracked, it will not straighten your teeth, and therefore not work correctly.
How Can My Braces Or Invisalign Break?
If you consume specific hard foods with braces, you may break or harm the integrity of the orthodontic device. As for Invisalign, they are surprisingly strong. However, improper use like eating with them or taking them on or off improperly can damage and crack your Invisalign aligner. The most common ways to break orthodontic appliances are as follows:
- Hard candies
- Ice cubes
- Gum, gummiers, and other sticky foods
- An injury to the face
At Carvalho & Roth Orthodontics, we recommend avoiding these foods specifically throughout the duration of your orthodontic treatment. Instead, stick to a diet of softer foods like pasta, mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc. These types of foods are much less likely to damage your orthodontic appliances. And, if you have Invisalign, remember to always take your aligners out of your mouth properly when eating or drinking anything. These simple tips will help keep your braces and aligners intact and working correctly.
When Should I Be Concerned About My Braces Or Invisalign?
Please call and visit the orthodontist if you are experiencing any of the following situations:
- A loose or missing bracket
- A broken or loose wire
- A cracked or misshapen aligner
- Severe discomfort and/or pain in your jaw, mouth, and teeth
These situations should be fixed to ensure your orthodontic treatment is working.
Rest Assured
If you are taking our orthodontic advice, eating the foods you should be eating and avoiding the others, and your braces or aligners are intact, you are all set. You can rest assured knowing that your orthodontic treatment is going precisely as planned. Although it may not seem like it at times, your teeth are slowly moving into a new, straight position. The process does not happen overnight. For most patients, it will take 18-24 months to complete the active treatment, wearing the braces. Over time and after many orthodontist visits, you will start to notice the shift in your teeth as they become perfectly aligned.
Questions Or Concerns?
As always, for any questions or concerns, please contact Carvalho & Roth Orthodontics. We will be more than happy to talk through the issue or set up an appointment to fix a bracket or aligner. We are a team when it comes to your orthodontic treatment. Together, we will ensure a smooth, worry-free process to straight teeth. Call one of our locations in Marlborough, Northborough, or Newton today! Know that your braces are working and you are one step closer to a beautiful, straight smile!