How Can You Ensure the Best Possible Long-Term Results from Your Braces?

Starting braces treatment is an exciting step toward a beautiful, healthy smile. At Indigo Orthodontics in Columbia, SC, whether you choose traditional metal braces or Invisalign treatment, your success depends on how well you follow your orthodontist’s advice during and after treatment.

Understanding Your Treatment Options

Before diving into care tips, it’s important to know what treatment options are available at Indigo Orthodontics. The practice offers several types of braces to fit different needs and preferences. Traditional metal braces are the most common choice and work great for patients of all ages. These modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever before. You can even add colorful elastics to show off your personality.

For teens and adults who want a less noticeable option, another popular choice is Invisalign, which uses clear, removable aligners instead of brackets and wires. Invisalign Teen is specially designed for younger patients who want the freedom of removable aligners.

Getting the Most Out of Your Braces Journey

The secret to keeping your perfect smile starts with following your orthodontist’s instructions carefully. During your treatment at Indigo Orthodontics, you’ll receive specific guidelines about caring for your braces or aligners. These instructions aren’t just suggestions; they’re essential steps for protecting your investment in a beautiful smile.

First, keeping your teeth and braces clean is super important. Food and plaque can build up around brackets and wires, leading to bad breath and tooth problems. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily using special tools designed for braces. If you have Invisalign, remember to clean your aligners every day with mild soap and cool water. Hot water can damage them and change their shape.

Second, watch what you eat. Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can damage your braces and slow down your treatment. Stay away from things like popcorn, hard candy, gum, and ice. Cutting foods into smaller pieces helps protect your braces too. If you have Invisalign, always remove your aligners before eating and drinking anything except water.

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups

Visiting Indigo Orthodontics for regular appointments is crucial for your success. During these visits, Dr. Scott checks your progress and makes necessary adjustments to keep your treatment on track. Missing appointments can make your treatment take longer and might affect your final results.

The practice has two convenient locations in Northeast Columbia and Downtown Columbia, making it easy to keep up with your appointments. The team works with patients from all around the area, including West Columbia, Forest Acres, Elgin, Lugoff, Blythewood, Red Bank, Irmo, and White Knoll.

Life After Braces: Why Retainers Matter

Getting your braces off feels amazing, but your orthodontic journey isn’t quite finished. Your teeth have a memory and want to move back to their old positions. This is where retainers come in. These custom-made devices hold your teeth in their new, perfect spots while your gums and bones get used to the changes.

At first, you might need to wear your retainer all the time except when eating. Later, Dr. Scott might tell you to wear it only at night. Following these instructions exactly is critical because teeth can start shifting within just a few weeks without proper retention. Nobody wants to need braces again because they didn’t wear their retainer.

Starting Early for Better Results

For younger patients, Indigo Orthodontics follows the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation for children to have their first orthodontic screening by age seven. Early treatment can guide jaw growth, make room for permanent teeth, and sometimes prevent bigger problems later. The practice offers a special supervisory program for kids who aren’t quite ready for treatment but need monitoring every six to eight months.

Your Partner in Creating Beautiful Smiles

Success with braces comes from teamwork between you and your orthodontic team. Indigo Orthodontics has been a trusted name in Columbia for decades because they combine experience with personal care. The energy and dedication you feel when you walk through their doors shows their commitment to every patient’s success.

Remember, orthodontic treatment is an investment in your future. By taking good care of your braces, keeping all your appointments, and wearing your retainer as directed, you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of confident smiles. The team at Indigo Orthodontics is there to support you every step of the way, from your first consultation through your final retainer check.

Ready to start your journey to a perfect smile? Contact Indigo Orthodontics today to schedule your complimentary consultation and discover which treatment option is right for you.