Orthodontic treatment is a commitment that goes beyond just showing up for appointments. Your orthodontist creates a detailed plan tailored to your teeth, bite, and overall dental health. But what happens if you don’t follow their instructions? Simply put, you risk delaying your progress, increasing costs, and jeopardizing your final results.
Here’s a breakdown of what can go wrong when instructions aren’t followed—and why sticking to your orthodontist’s guidance is essential.
Delayed Treatment Time
One of the most common consequences of ignoring your orthodontist’s directions is a longer treatment timeline. For example, if you don’t wear your aligners or elastics as prescribed, your teeth won’t move as expected. Every skipped day adds time to your overall treatment.
Common causes of delay include:
- Not wearing elastics as instructed
- Skipping aligner wear or not meeting daily hour requirements
- Missing or rescheduling appointments frequently
- Not avoiding foods that can damage appliances
Delays don’t just mean more time in braces or aligners. They can also mean more checkups, more adjustments, and more discomfort.
Poor Treatment Results
Orthodontists design treatment plans with precision. Not following their instructions can lead to teeth moving incorrectly, or worse, not moving at all. Inconsistent appliance use can result in crooked or misaligned teeth even after months of effort.
You might end up with a bite that doesn’t fit properly, leading to:
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Uneven tooth wear
- Speech issues
- Aesthetic imbalances in your smile
This can sometimes require retreatment, which may include restarting the process from scratch.
Damage to Appliances
Your orthodontic appliances—braces, aligners, retainers, and more—aren’t indestructible. Ignoring care guidelines can lead to broken brackets, bent wires, or cracked aligners. Each incident means additional visits and added costs.
What causes damage?
- Eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods
- Not using protective gear during sports
- Improper cleaning or storage
Even small issues like a broken bracket can throw off the alignment process. Always report damage immediately to prevent bigger setbacks.
Increased Discomfort
Orthodontic treatment isn’t always pain-free, but it shouldn’t be painful beyond initial adjustments. When instructions aren’t followed, unnecessary discomfort can occur.
For instance, if aligners aren’t worn enough, your teeth may try to move backward, making the next tray painful to insert. The same applies to skipping elastics or not attending appointments where adjustments are made.
Consistent care helps your teeth move steadily and comfortably. Skipping steps makes the process harder than it has to be.
Risk of Relapse
Even after your braces or aligners come off, the job isn’t finished. Retainers are critical for keeping your teeth in their new positions. Failing to wear your retainer as directed can result in relapse, where your teeth slowly shift back.
Relapse can:
- Undo years of treatment
- Affect your bite and smile
- Require another round of orthodontic care
This is especially frustrating when you’ve already invested time and money. Preventing relapse is easier than correcting it.
Higher Costs
Every missed step can lead to more appointments, repairs, or even retreatment. That all adds up. Orthodontic treatment is already an investment; not following your plan increases the cost.
Whether it’s replacing a broken appliance or extending your treatment time, those added expenses are avoidable with simple compliance.
Compromised Oral Health
Orthodontists don’t just move teeth—they keep your mouth healthy. Poor compliance can lead to:
- Plaque buildup around brackets
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
If you don’t follow hygiene instructions or skip using recommended tools like water flossers or interdental brushes, your dental health can suffer. Cavities and gum issues during treatment can make orthodontic progress more complicated and even dangerous.
Loss of Motivation
Ignoring your orthodontist’s advice can create a cycle of setbacks. As treatment stalls or problems arise, it’s easy to feel discouraged or frustrated. That loss of motivation can make it even harder to stay on track.
The best way to stay encouraged is to follow the plan. You’ll see progress, feel better, and be more likely to stay committed through the finish line.
How to Stay on Track
Here are simple tips to help you follow your orthodontist’s instructions and get the best possible results:
1. Wear Appliances As Directed
Whether it’s aligners, braces, or retainers, wear them exactly as prescribed. Set reminders if needed.
2. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Brush after meals, floss daily, and use mouthwash if recommended. Follow any additional care instructions.
3. Eat Smart
Avoid foods that can damage braces or stick to aligners. Cut hard foods into smaller pieces and skip the gum.
4. Keep Every Appointment
Regular check-ins are essential for monitoring progress. Reschedule promptly if you must cancel.
5. Ask Questions
Not sure how to do something? Confused about instructions? Ask your orthodontist. It’s better to ask than to guess.
Ready to Stay on Track with Your Treatment?
At Dream Orthodontics, we make it easy to succeed. Whether you’re starting braces for your child or exploring clear aligners as an adult, our experienced team offers expert orthodontics in Surrey for patients of all ages.
Book your free consultation today.