Once your braces are firmly on your teeth the work of
straightening your smile can start. Your
Orthodontist will examine and inspect your braces on a regular basis. At each visit, they will be adjusted by
changing or tightening your wires, changing your rubber bands, and anything
else that the orthodontist recommends.
In between visits, it is important to care for your teeth at
home. Eating the wrong thing or failing
to brush and floss properly can lead to complications and make the process last
longer. The typical time a patient has
them on is around two years. A delay or
complication can extend the process out much farther.
Here are tips for how you can care for your braces and teeth
at home.
·
Brush
after meals. Do not wait for the
evening to brush your teeth. Carry a
soft toothbrush with you and use it after every meal and some snacks. This will help to remove food that has gotten
stuck around your braces and will help to prevent staining and cavities.
·
Use a
wire brush. A special wire brush can
be used to clean the plaque off from around your braces. Its small pointed tip can get into small
spaces.
·
Floss
daily. There are flossing tools that
are made for patients with braces. Use
this at least once a day. Food and
bacteria will become trapped on and in between your teeth if you are not
careful with your oral care habits.
·
Use
mouthwash. Instead of chewing gum,
use an antiseptic mouthwash. This will
kill bacteria that is forming in your mouth, on your teeth, and gums. It is also safer since gum tends to be sticky
and can even cause your rubber bands or wires to become loose.
·
Drink
water. Substitute soda, juice,
coffee, and other sugar filled liquids with water. Your overall health may improve, and you will
prevent sugar and bacteria from sitting on your teeth throughout the day.
·
Visit the
dentist. Continue with your
preventative care treatments.
·
Avoid candy. Biting down on hard candy can cause your
braces to become damaged. Any damage to
your braces will elongate the amount of time you have to wear them. Additionally,
caramels and other soft chewy candies can become stuck in your braces which
creates a risk of getting cavities.
·
Stay away
from hard foods. Things like nuts,
ice, carrots, and hard pizza crust can all damage your braces or the hard
pieces can be stuck in between your brackets and cause pain. If you want to eat these foods look for a
softer version. For example, steamed
carrots, soft crust, and pecans instead of almonds.
Follow your orthodontists’ instructions on anything
additional you need to do for your specific situation. Make sure to attend all of your scheduled
appointments so that your braces stay in the best shape possible, and your
smile is straightened on time and on schedule.
By caring for teeth and braces, you will have a gorgeous smile in no
time.
