You know your braces are going to give you that straighter, more beautiful smile that you have always wanted, but the wait can seem interminable while you are wearing them. While everyone keeps telling you that the final result will be worth the wait, you are getting antsy. Luckily, there is hope. If you are growing impatient with the process and just want to get those babies off, there are some ways you can speed up the process and get your braces off quicker. A big part of it is to always follow your orthodontist’s instructions.

1. Follow food restrictions:

If you are a gold medal athlete in gum chewing or have a big sweet tooth, then the dietary restrictions that come with braces are probably really weighing in on you. While munching on some hard candy or gummy bears once in a while might not seem like a big deal, it can have a big impact on your treatment. You are told not to eat these foods because they can bend your wires and even pull your teeth in the wrong direction. A simple mistake like this can prolong your treatment which is exactly what you don’t want.

You should also avoid other bad habits like chewing on pencils and your fingernails.  Anything that could possibly delay your treatment should be avoided as much as possible.

2. Wear those elastic bands:

If your orthodontist gave you elastic bands to help speed up the straightening process, then make sure you wear them when you are instructed too! While they take some getting used to and might seem more fun as a projectile across the room than in your mouth, your orthodontist gave them to you for a good reason. Make sure you wear them at all times except when eating. Avoid playing with them and taking them in and out. That is a surefire way to lose them. It is also very easy to forget to put them back in at night when you are ready for bed so try to make it a part of your routine. If you don’t wear them every day, they are not going to be able to do their job, which is to transform your smile as quickly as possible.

3. Don’t skip out on appointments:

Finding time for your regular dentist appointments can be such a bear that adding in the more frequent orthodontist appointments may seem like an impossibility. It is important though that you make these appointments a priority in your schedule and that you don’t miss any of them. When you miss an appointment, you are setting back your treatment by weeks or months. Of course, sometimes an emergency happens and you have no choice but to reschedule. In those incidences, make your new appointment as soon as possible to keep any delay to a minimum

4. Keep up with proper oral hygiene:

Brushing and flossing your teeth can be a little more difficult with a mouth full of brackets and wires so you need to put in extra effort into cleaning your teeth. Food particles and bacteria can get stuck between the braces and your teeth and can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Ask your orthodontist about tools you can use to get a better clean with braces. An electric toothbrush might be a wise investment at this time. The healthier your mouth, the faster your teeth will realign. If you want to get your braces off quicker, it is crucial that you pay extra attention to your oral hygiene every day.

5. Be gentle with your teeth:

Your teeth are put under a lot of pressure during the straightening process as it is, so it is important that you avoid any bad habits that cause any undue pressure like biting down hard on your teeth and grinding them. Some people have a nervous habit of doing this and it causes extra wear and tears on your teeth. If you notice that you do this, try relaxing your jaw when you feel it tightening up. If it happens a lot when you are sleeping, talk to your orthodontist about ways to prevent it.

6. Ask about accelerated treatments:

Besides following all your orthodontist’s instructions, there are some accelerated treatments available that you can try. They not only help your teeth move faster, but they help your mouth adjust to the braces as well.