If you or your child has braces, you’re probably already familiar with the routine of going in for regular adjustments. It can sometimes feel like an extra thing to fit into your busy schedule, but these adjustments play a big role in the success of your orthodontic treatment. In St. Louis, Dr. Dougherty and her team are dedicated to making sure you get the best results from your braces. But why exactly are these regular visits so important? Let’s break it down.
Regular Adjustments Improve Bite Function
When you think about braces, you probably focus on how they straighten your teeth. And while that’s a big part of it, braces also work to improve your bite function. Here’s how regular adjustments help with that:
- Realign your teeth: Over time, braces guide your teeth into the correct position. Regular adjustments ensure that your teeth are moving in the right direction.
- Correct bite issues: If you have problems like an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, regular adjustments gradually correct those issues. It’s not just about appearance but also how your teeth come together when you bite or chew.
- Ensure long-term stability: Braces aim to create a bite that functions properly and is stable over time. Regular adjustments help your teeth stay on track toward that goal.
In short, these appointments help fine-tune your braces so that they not only straighten your teeth but also improve your bite, making daily activities like eating and talking easier.
Monitor Your Progress With Regular Adjustments
Regular visits aren’t just about tightening your braces. They’re also an important opportunity for us to monitor your progress and make sure everything is moving along as planned. Let’s talk about what that involves.
Tracking Tooth Movement
Each time you visit for an adjustment, our team will check how much your teeth have shifted since the last appointment. This helps her determine whether your treatment is progressing as expected. If some teeth aren’t moving as quickly as they should, adjustments can be made to get things back on track.
Ensuring Proper Pressure
Braces work by applying constant pressure to your teeth. During each adjustment, we will ensure that the right amount of pressure is being applied. Too much pressure can cause discomfort, while too little might slow your progress. This balance is vital to a successful treatment.
Timing Your Treatment
Every patient’s timeline is different. Regular adjustments allow us to gauge how long you’ll need to wear braces. Depending on your progress, the schedule can sometimes be adjusted to speed things up or give your teeth a bit more time to settle.
Monitoring your progress at every visit means you’re always on the right path toward your new smile, and the team at Dougherty Orthodontics will make sure that everything is moving smoothly.
Address Any Emerging Issues
Braces are an effective treatment, but issues can arise with any dental procedure. The good news is that regular adjustments allow our team to spot potential problems before they become more serious. By catching these issues early, you can avoid discomfort and keep your orthodontic treatment in St. Louis moving forward.
Discomfort and Soreness
It’s not uncommon to feel some discomfort after an adjustment. This is a sign that your teeth are shifting, which is good! However, if the discomfort feels unusual or particularly severe, a quick check by Dr. Dougherty can help pinpoint the cause. Sometimes, small tweaks are needed to ease any pain or prevent future issues.
Loose or Broken Brackets
Accidents happen—brackets or wires can become loose or break. We will inspect your braces during your regular visits to ensure everything is in good condition. If anything looks off, he’ll fix it immediately, preventing any treatment delays. It’s much easier to repair or replace broken components during a routine visit than to deal with the consequences of letting an issue go untreated.
Addressing Gum Health
When wearing braces, food can get stuck in hard-to-reach places, leading to plaque buildup and gum irritation. Regular adjustments offer a quick check on gum health and tips on how to maintain it. A healthy mouth is essential for getting the best results from your orthodontic treatment.
Prevent Damage to Braces
No one wants their braces to get damaged, especially when it can slow down your progress. Fortunately, regular adjustments help prevent potential damage from occurring. Dr. Dougherty takes the time to ensure everything works as it should and that nothing is out of place.
Spotting wear and tear
Over time, the wires and brackets of your braces may experience wear and tear. During your adjustments, we will check for any signs of damage and make necessary repairs. This keeps your braces functioning properly and helps you avoid unexpected issues.
Preventing discomfort
Sometimes, wires can shift or poke out, leading to irritation in the mouth. Regular adjustments allow these wires to be trimmed or repositioned, preventing unnecessary discomfort.
Maintaining progress
If any part of your braces gets damaged, it can disrupt your treatment. By attending regular appointments, you ensure that everything is functioning correctly, which keeps your treatment on schedule.
By preventing damage through regular visits, you’re setting yourself up for success and ensuring that your braces work efficiently.
Reach Your Orthodontic Goals By Staying Consistent
Regular adjustments with Dougherty Orthodontics in St. Louis are required for your orthodontic treatment. Dr. Dougherty and her team ensure everything is moving as it should, address any concerns, and ensure that your braces function optimally. While it may seem like just another appointment, these visits are essential to achieving that beautiful, functional smile you’ve been working toward. By sticking to your schedule, you’re helping your teeth straighten and ensuring your bite is healthy and stable for years to come.
So, next time you’re due for an adjustment, remember that it’s more than just a routine check—it’s a critical step in reaching your goal. Contact us with any questions; we’re here to help.