Getting braces can be both an exciting and somewhat nerve-wracking time for you. On the one hand, you are probably really looking forward to how your smile is going to look at the end of our treatment. On the other hand, your braces are also probably a little bit tricky to take care of properly. Orthodontic treatment does not have to be a frustrating challenge, however. If you are wearing braces, or you are still in the process of considering them, we here at First Impressions Orthodontics for Children & Adults would like to offer you some advice on how to take care of your braces.
Taking Care of Your Braces: Tips and Suggestions from Us
Most people do not realize how tricky it is to maneuver proper oral hygiene with braces. While dental braces are worth it and will help you attain your best smile ever, there are some tricks to learning how to take care of them. Whether you are a teenager or an adult, we want to make sure you properly take care of your braces to help ensure your outcome is it's very best after we remove them.
The first trick to taking care of your braces is to take a hard look at your diet. Watching what you can help prevent many complications that could come back to haunt you later on. For instance, we all know about the benefits of eating a healthy diet, but did you know that your favorite snack foods could damage your braces?
We recommend that you stay away from gummy, sticky foods like taffy and caramel. If you like foods like popcorn, we hate to break it to you, but those are on the “no” list, too! The unpopped kernels can be damaging to your braces. Avoid overly hard foods, too, as they can damage them.
In addition to watching your diet, we also need to warn you about putting things in your mouth that are not food. If you are a nervous nail biter, we are going to have to ask you to stop. If you are an ice cruncher, that habit is going to have to go, too. (Sorry!) Also, those of you who chew on pen lids or other non-food objects, please stop immediately. Not only is this bad for your teeth, but it can also pop the wires and damage the brackets on your braces.
Caring For Your Braces
Brushing and flossing your teeth can also be a challenge with braces. You will have to carefully brush above and below your braces with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush at a 45-degree angle both above and below your braces, and brush for at least two minutes per session. Afterward, you will need to floss your teeth and your braces. You can pick up special dental flossers at any drugstore, and that will make it easier for you to floss around your braces. You can also buy a special brush (called an interdental brush) to help you get between the wires and brackets.
If you are interested in learning more about dental braces and how to take care of them, we would love to talk with you more about it! Please give us here at First Impressions Orthodontics for Children & Adults a call today at (203) 292-9595 to set up an appointment with us!