Proper braces care in Lagos is more important than most people realise, yet countless patients unknowingly make simple mistakes that slow their progress, cause discomfort, or even damage their results. Whether you have just started your orthodontic journey or you are several months in, knowing what to avoid can save you both time and money. At Lumis Dental Clinic in Lekki, Lagos, our team sees these mistakes regularly, and this guide is here to help you steer clear of all of them.
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1. Eating the Wrong Foods After Getting Braces
One of the most damaging habits during braces care in Lagos is ignoring dietary restrictions. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, including chin-chin, hard bread crusts, caramel sweets, and chewing gum, can bend wires, dislodge brackets, and extend your overall treatment time significantly.
Stick to soft foods such as cooked rice, beans, soft fruit, yoghurt, and soups, particularly during the first few days after each adjustment appointment.
2. Skipping Proper Cleaning Around the Brackets
Poor oral hygiene is perhaps the single biggest threat to successful braces care in Lagos. Food particles and plaque collect easily around brackets and wires, which can lead to tooth decay, white spot lesions, and swollen gums if not removed thoroughly.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, an interdental brush, and a fluoride toothpaste after every meal. Water flossers can also make cleaning around brackets considerably easier.
3. Missing Orthodontic Appointments
Regular check-ups are a non-negotiable part of braces care in Lagos. Many patients postpone or completely miss their adjustment appointments due to busy schedules, which is one of the most common reasons treatment takes far longer than planned.
Each appointment allows your orthodontist to tighten wires, check for any loose brackets, and ensure your teeth are tracking correctly. Missing even one session can add months to your overall treatment.
4. Playing Contact Sports Without a Mouthguard
Lagos is full of football pitches and sports courts, yet very few brace wearers use orthodontic mouthguards during physical activity. A single knock to the mouth during a game can snap a wire, break a bracket, or cause serious injury to the lips and gums.
Ask your orthodontist for a custom or orthodontic-compatible mouthguard. This is a low-cost investment that protects both your braces and your smile.
5. Neglecting Retainer Instructions After Treatment
Completing active braces care in Lagos is only half the journey. Many patients celebrate the removal of their braces and immediately stop wearing their retainers, only to watch their teeth gradually shift back towards their original positions.
Your orthodontist will prescribe a retainer schedule for good reason. Follow it diligently, whether you are given a removable or fixed retainer, to preserve every millimetre of progress you have achieved.
6. Using Whitening Products Without Professional Guidance
A bright, straight smile is the goal, so many Lagos brace wearers attempt to use whitening toothpastes or strips during treatment. This is a mistake. Whitening products cannot reach beneath brackets, meaning you risk uneven colouration once your braces come off, with darker patches where the brackets sat.
Wait until your braces are fully removed, then seek professional teeth whitening from a qualified dentist for safe, even results.
7. Ignoring Pain or Loose Brackets
Some discomfort is expected during braces care in Lagos, particularly after adjustment appointments. However, sharp pain, a loose bracket, or a protruding wire should never be ignored or managed with home remedies for extended periods.
Contact your orthodontist promptly if anything feels wrong. Delaying a repair visit can allow a displaced bracket to cause unwanted tooth movement, reversing your progress or creating new alignment problems.
How Lumis Dental Clinic in Lekki Can Help
At Lumis Dental Clinic, located at 23a Durosimi Etti Drive, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, our experienced orthodontic team provides comprehensive braces care in Lagos tailored to every patient’s unique needs. From your initial consultation through to your final retainer fitting, we guide you at every stage with evidence-based care and a warm, patient-first approach. If you are ready to start your orthodontic journey, or if you need a second opinion on your current treatment, our friendly team is just a call away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit my dentist for braces care in Lagos?
Most orthodontic patients require appointments every four to eight weeks for wire adjustments and progress checks. Your orthodontist will set a schedule suited to your specific treatment plan.
Can I brush my teeth normally with braces?
Standard brushing alone is not sufficient. You will need an interdental brush or water flosser to clean around brackets and under wires effectively. Brush after every meal for best results.
What happens if a bracket falls off during treatment?
Contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. A loose or missing bracket interrupts the pressure needed to move your teeth correctly, and it should be re-bonded promptly to avoid delays in your treatment.
How long does orthodontic treatment typically last in Lagos?
Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of misalignment and the type of braces used. Most cases in Lagos range from 12 to 24 months, with consistent attendance and proper care being the key factors that keep treatment on schedule.
🦷 Give Your Smile the Expert Care It Deserves
Whether you need braces, teeth cleaning, dental checkups, or advanced orthodontic care, our experienced dental team is here to help you smile confidently at Lumis Dental Clinic, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Lumis Dental Clinic
23a Durosimi Etti Drive, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State, Nigeria
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm | Sat: 10am – 3pm
