Have you just started orthodontics and noticed you have an orthodontic expander? Look for tricks to make your treatments easier to deal with.
Yearly the number of dental and orthodontic patients increases. Most of these patients embrace their neon-coloured smiles, but an annoying and sometimes painful aspect of these devices is what prevents many people from starting treatment.
If you’ve been given an orthodontic expander and need some coping tips, read on. Here are our top tips to ensure things go smoother.
1. Getting Started
Eat soft foods throughout the day to minimize the stress on your mouth. Take breaks to give your jaw and teeth a rest. Keep your orthodontic expander clean by brushing and rinsing regularly. Drink plenty of fluid to ensure that your mouth remains moist and comfortable.
2. Orthodontic Expander’s Benefits of Wearing
Orthodontic expanders can widen nasal passages and improve airflow, potentially alleviating symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, such as snoring or mild sleep apnea. Correcting dental misalignment with a palate expander can help align the teeth properly, creating a more pleasing smile and improving the overall bite.
There are many benefits to wearing an orthodontic expander, including promoting growth, correcting crowding, and advancing the growth of certain teeth. Remain patient and positive as the desired effects of wearing the expander take some time to be achieved.
3. Caring for Your Expander
Keep your expanders clean and free of food particles to avoid irritation and become a breeding ground for bacteria. It is important to practice oral care hygiene while wearing the expander, as this will help ensure a more successful treatment process.
Arrange an appointment with an orthodontist or dental health specialist who specializes in clear teeth aligner treatment. During this consultation, your dental professional will evaluate your dental condition, engage in a discussion regarding your treatment objectives, and ascertain the suitability of clear aligners for your specific needs.
4. Eating with an Orthodontic Expander
Avoid sticky, chewy, and crunchy foods that can cause the expander to move out of place. Soft foods such as mashed potatoes, applesauce, and oatmeal are easier and less likely to cause problems.
Try to cut your food into small pieces to make it easier to chew with the expander. Take small bites and chew slowly to help avoid discomfort.
5. Ways to Reduce Discomfort While Wearing an Expander
Remember to brush and floss twice a day to remove plaque. Orthodontic expander trays should be rinsed clean after every meal, ensuring food debris and bacteria are removed.
Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help keep your mouth clean. Take medications and ibuprofen as recommended for pain and inflammation.
Use these 5 Tips to Make the Process Stress-Free
Fitting an orthodontic expander may feel like a daunting task at first. However, following these tips and utilizing the help of your orthodontist along the way should help make the process stress-free and potentially even enjoyable. So make sure to research, practice good hygiene, and don’t be afraid to seek extra help!
Are you interested in an orthodontic expander to fill any gaps left after your braces treatment?
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