Will my kid’s braces have to be on even longer now since he hasn’t been in to get them tightened?
On a typical schedule, braces get the tightening treatment every six to eight weeks, gradually moving teeth into proper alignment. However, given that most plans have appointments that span over a couple of years, it’s human that something will come up from time to time. In most instances, missing an appointment should not be a cause for alarm. Your orthodontist will need to make a determination on any ramifications of delaying treatment. Keep them apprised with imagery of your kid’s smile via virtual appointments. Though the orthodontist isn’t changing out wires or ties during virtual visits, treatment is still considered “active” since tooth movement continues to progress during this time. Your child should continue to stay stringent with retainers and aligners, maintaining oral hygiene, and being careful not to eat anything too hard, sticky, or chewy to limit breakage.

So, I can’t make it to my six-month checkup. Is there any special upkeep I should do to help prevent cavities or keep them to a minimum before my next appointment?
There are precautions we can take to keep our oral health in good standing. Namely, brushing effectively, flossing regularly, and actively avoiding our teeth’s chief enemies: acid and sugar. Brushing delivers fluoride directly to your teeth and removes food particles that cause decay. Ensure your toothpaste gets two full minutes of sitting on your teeth, which helps to remineralise and rebuild the enamel (cavity-causing bacteria remove the minerals from your teeth).

I’m in the process of getting an implant, so I’m left with a gap and titanium screw in my mouth. Now what? Will my teeth shift?
Those who have had dental implants know firsthand that the process is anything but “overnight.” It’s a three-phase procedure that involves placing the implant, attaching the post, and then attaching the customised crown, usually carrying over a series of months. If you left things off with the screw-like posts in your mouth, you’re actually in a good place. This is where the bone needs the most time to heal before attaching the post to the actual implant. Your teeth shouldn’t shift unless you have an existing issue. When tooth movement happens, it’s usually not because of a missing tooth. However, if you leave it for, say, a year, that’s a whole different ball game. But for a three-month period or so, you should be fine.