Is there anything I can do to make treatment with braces progress faster?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 19 years old and using braces for a year. I have collagen deficiency and so I did not have any problem with the expander or with the rearrangement. I have a bit of overbite. It just started now and I want to get off my braces as soon as possible. I am constantly putting my jaw forward even without my bands. While relaxing, my jaw slides back to the same place. Is there anything that helps to make my process happen faster along with wearing bands for more than 20 hours a day? How often should I need to change my bands? I am wearing the same pair for the whole day.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As you have collagen deficiency, it facilitates easy alignment of teeth in the arch. As there is a lack of strength, they can relapse if the braces are removed earlier. So consult your dentist and ask him for having braces for some extra period of time. Constant pushing of the jaw will not help to make your process faster as there is a cellular level alteration (osteoblastic activity) with slow and prolonged pressure is needed. It is good to know that you are using bands for more than 20 hours. Nothing can be done except by maintaining your oral hygiene. Use mouthwash in lukewarm water for rinsing. Use a soft orthodontic brush. Avoid taking sticky or sweet food. Repeat bands every day. A new band should be used every day. Keep visiting your dentist in scheduled appointments and he will change the color of the bands accordingly. They vary in strength. If you follow these steps, you will have a fruitful outcome. Please do not be rushed. Orthodontic correction takes time.