1. Follow Dr. Wazio’s Instructions - If you want the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment, it is especially important that you follow the instructions we give you when it comes to caring for your teeth and braces. By following Dr. Wazio’s guidelines, you will get an effective and efficient course of treatment. If you disregard our instructions, you may lengthen your treatment time, incur additional costs, and even jeopardize your results.
2. Keep Your Regularly Scheduled Appointments - While braces are vital to teeth straightening, they will only work effectively if you have them adjusted as needed. Orthodontic forces must be monitored on a regular basis to ensure the highest quality orthodontic care we can provide. Regular visits to our office are important to ensure that your teeth are responding well to treatment. With every appointment, your teeth are shifting into a better position. By checking your progress and replacing your wires, we keep you on track for getting your braces off as soon as possible. If you miss appointments here and there that can mean that your teeth won’t move into the right position. This, in turn, means that you’ll likely have to wear braces longer than you had planned to get the desired results. Please make every effort to keep scheduled appointments. If an excessive number of appointments are missed or if we do not see you or your child for a long interval of time, treatment will be significantly extended.
3. Protect Your Teeth - Protecting your teeth and orthodontic appliances is essential to completing your treatment in a timely manner. Be sure to brush and floss regularly. Also, clean any brackets and wires carefully and well. We recommend brushing your teeth three times a day and flossing at least once a day. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you or your child play any sports, be sure to use a mouthguard. Mouthguards shield your teeth as they move into their new positions and help protect the straightening process itself.
4. Watch What You Eat - Teeth move best in a healthy environment and in individuals who maintain excellent overall health. There isn’t a hard, crunchy, or sticky food that is worth the setback it can cause in your treatment. Also beware of nail-biting and pen or pencil chewing habits, since these can damage your braces. Not only can a loose bracket or wire really hurt your mouth, but it also means your braces will take longer to do their job. Excessive broken appliances due to careless eating habits may result in additional charges for repair.
5. Ask About AcceleDent - The AcceleDent System is an innovative technology designed to decrease the time you are in braces by increasing the rate of tooth movement. The appliance, used daily for 20 minutes, applies patented technology to gently vibrate the teeth and surrounding bone. The microvibrations increase the rate of bone remodeling and allow the teeth to move 38-50% faster. The rate of tooth movement greatly depends on the speed at which the bone surrounding the teeth changes. Studies have shown that orthodontic forces coupled with micovibrations safely accelerate tooth movement.
When undergoing orthodontic treatment, the most important thing you can do is to choose an orthodontist who is highly trained and who has experience in treating orthodontic cases of all types. The skill level of your orthodontist is the number one factor in determining how long your treatment will last. No matter what products and technologies are introduced, if your orthodontist does not have the knowledge and skill required to offer scientifically backed treatment options, your treatment may not be as effective and may last longer than anticipated.
Dr. Wazio received both his Bachelor of Science degree and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loyola University of Chicago. After completing his General Practice residency at Michael Reese Hospital, Dr. Wazio attended St. Louis University where he received his Certificate of Orthodontics and Masters Degree. Dr. Wazio is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics , Illinois Society of Orthodontics, Midwestern Society of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, and the Illinois State Dental Society. He is also past President of the Fox River Valley Dental Society.
Dr. Wazio has years of experience providing the finest treatment available anywhere. Paired with his scientifically backed approach, Wazio Orthodontics patients often see shorter treatment times, without added expenses. Call our Batavia or St. Charles orthodontic offices to learn more.