The appliance works by exerting continuous pressure for a certain amount of time in order to slowly move the teeth in a specific direction. The problem is that it is a slow process. When a person puts on the appliance, the first question that arises is the following: when can it be removed? Follow these instructions to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Treatment
Step 1. Get started early
To check for possible problems, children should have their first orthodontic checkup at the age of 7. It is preferable to put on braces as soon as permanent teeth emerge, a process that comes to an end around 10 or 11 years for girls and 13 or 14 years for boys. If the teeth, jaw and facial muscles have not yet fully developed, the results will take less time to come. As a result, the appliance will need to be worn for less time.
Step 2. Consider a treatment with aligners instead of the classic metal appliance
The conventional appliance provides for the fixing of metal plates in stainless steel, which exert a well-defined pressure on the teeth so that they assume the right position. The aligners, on the other hand, are transparent masks of a sturdy plastic that are manufactured in such a way as to adapt to the oral cavity of each patient. Just like a normal metal appliance, they work by exerting a certain amount of pressure over time. However, unlike traditional platelets, aligners need to be changed approximately every 3 weeks. This device is practically invisible, and several studies have shown that it reduces treatment times.
- However, the aligners are more expensive. Depending on your situation, they can reduce the time of treatment a little (or nothing). Before choosing braces, talk to your orthodontist.
- Unlike the metal device, the aligners can be removed, so they are practical in different situations, such as for taking pictures. Nonetheless, they need to be worn for at least 20 hours a day for them to be effective. If you are concerned that a child is unfriendly, it is better to opt for the normal appliance.
Step 3. If you are an adult, consider expedited orthodontic treatment
Since adults' jaws and teeth are already developed, movement can take longer. Low-level laser therapy, corticotomy, and micro-osteoperforation have been shown to be effective in reducing treatment time among adult patients.
- Low-level laser therapy consists of directing short, low-frequency bursts of light to the mandible to increase osteoclast production. By demineralizing the bone block of the jaw, these cells accelerate the movement of the teeth. It is also an effective treatment for reducing pain.
- Corticotomy involves making small cuts in the bone surrounding the tooth in order to substantially accelerate its movement. It is often combined with alveolar grafting (which involves grafting demineralized bone onto the incisions) in a technique called Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics. It has been shown to reduce treatment times by up to a third.
- Micro-osteoperforation is similar to corticotomy, except that a specific tool is used to make much smaller perforations in the bone. This stimulates the production of osteoclasts, helping to demineralize hard bone and promote movement.
Step 4. Consult your orthodontist to discuss the pros and cons of various therapies
Be careful if you are offered AcceleDent treatment. It is a highly advertised device that creates micro-vibrations whose purpose is to accelerate the movement of the teeth. In addition to being very expensive, according to recent clinical studies it does not shorten the duration of treatment.
Part 2 of 2: Follow the Orthodontist's Instructions
Step 1. Follow your orthodontist's instructions
The overall duration of treatment is variable and depends on various factors: severity of the problem, space available in the area of the jaw, distance of displacement of the teeth, state of the oral cavity and patient discipline. This last variable depends only and exclusively on you!
Step 2. Keep your mouth clean
Proper oral hygiene can allow the teeth to assume the right position much earlier.
Step 3. Chop up solid foods
Cutting foods such as raw vegetables, fruit and bread reduces the pressure exerted on the appliance while eating, preventing it from being damaged.
Step 4. Don't eat hard or sticky foods
They can damage the appliance and even cause tooth decay. Here are the foods to avoid:
- Popcorn;
- Dried fruit;
- Chips;
- Chewing gum;
- Toffee;
- Caramel;
- Cookies.
Step 5. Avoid carbonated drinks
Since they can damage the teeth, the duration of the treatment is likely to be prolonged.
Step 6. Do not bite into the ice cubes, otherwise you risk damaging the appliance or your teeth
Step 7. Do not bite on objects such as pens or straws
This can also damage the appliance. Avoid bringing foreign objects to your mouth.
Step 8. Get rid of things like biting your nails or playing with the rubber bands of the appliance
Both of these actions can misalign the teeth, affecting the duration of treatment.
Step 9. Download an application
According to research, patient-specific apps who wear braces can help them take care of their teeth more quickly. Just search for "braces app".
Step 10. Try using an electric toothbrush for 15 minutes a day
According to a recent study, using this device can accelerate tooth movement and shorten the duration of treatment.
