Patients’ Role

Remember, the treatment success depend on 50% on the patient. So patient’s co-operation is a must. There are three major roles which is mandatory for successful treatment outcome-maintaining appointments, oral health and appliances.

Maintain the Appointments

If appointments are not maintained properly, both treatment cost and duration will become more in addition to poor treatment outcome. Patient should report at the clinic at least 15 mins before appt. time. Please leave the correct postal address and contact number with us. It will help to inform in advance, if the appointments are to be rescheduled. In case any change in address/numbers kindly notify promptly.

Maintain Oral Health

The design of the fixed appliances is such that it can invite food accumulation easily. If ignored, it can simply damage the health of the teeth, gums and underlying bone. To avoid these all you need to do is brush – meticulously and perfectly. It cleans your appliances as well. Here are few tips for effective brushing.

• Dispense the paste only to a peanut size. Do not take to the full length of the brush head which can cause excess foam and gag. It’s not economical too.
• Brush in front of a well illuminated mirror.
• Brush at least twice daily: morning and at night before bed.
• Brush with up and down / circulatory strokes (never side to side). This preserves the attachment of gums.
• Keep your face loose and relaxed while brushing the outer surfaces of the back teeth. Too much stretching of facial muscles will prevent the access of the brush head to those areas.
• Massage the gums after brushing using your fingers with gum paint or as advised.
• Use floss (waxed/medicated thread) to clean teeth along their contact surfaces. Learn the correct method of flossing either from orthodontist / follow manufacturer’s instructions. You may floss whenever needed. Do not use a tooth pick or any sharp pins to clean the contacts.
• Gargle using mouthwash as prescribed. Gargle circulates the liquid all over the mouth and throat and helps remove food debris and mucus deeper down from tonsils and throat. Keep in mind, mouthwash cannot replace brushing. Mouth washing is useless.
• Hence first brush, then floss, massage gums and finally rinse with mouthwash. Do it like a ritual everyday & night regularly and feel the difference.
• Please bear in mind that whatever may be the design of your brush it is the method of brushing that is more important than the brush itself. This applies for powered brushes too.