What Are The Dos And Don’ts Of Braces?

Braces can be an effective way to straighten and align teeth, but it is important that you take proper care of them if you want to get the most out of your treatment. In this article, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of braces so that you can ensure your teeth remain healthy and straight. Let’s get started!

What Are The Benefits Of Braces?

There are many benefits of braces, especially when it comes to improving your smile. Crooked teeth can be very difficult to clean, which can lead to tooth decay and other problems. Braces can help to realign your teeth so that they are straighter and easier to clean. This can also improve your bite, making it easier to chew and digest food. Additionally, braces can help to correct jaw problems and relieve pain in the jaw and face. Overall, braces can significantly improve both the appearance and function of your teeth.

Do’s And Don’ts Of Braces

If you’re considering braces, congratulations! You’re on your way to a straighter, healthier smile. But before you start treatment, it’s important to know what you can do to make sure your experience is positive and your teeth stay healthy. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s directions for wearing and caring for your braces. Not sure how often to brush? What type of toothpaste to use? Ask your orthodontist or dental hygienist.

Be Gentle With Your Braces

Just because they’re made of metal doesn’t mean they can take a beating! Avoid hard foods (think: nuts, candy apples, ice) that can damage brackets and wires, and be careful not to bite your cheeks or lips when you first get used to having braces.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential for people with braces. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily and use mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria.

It is also important to avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage your braces or get stuck in them. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding sugary snacks will help keep your teeth healthy and strong.

If you have any questions about how to care for your braces or oral health in general, please be sure to ask your orthodontist or dentist. They will be happy to help you maintain a healthy smile!

Wear Your Rubber Bands As Prescribed

As prescribed by your orthodontist, you should be wearing your rubber bands at all times, except when eating or drinking. To put them on, simply hook one side of the rubber band around one of your brackets, and then stretch it over to the corresponding bracket on the other side of your mouth. Make sure the rubber band is snug, but not too tight – you should be able to comfortably bite down on it. You will usually need to wear rubber bands during the day and at night.

Eat Soft Foods

If you have braces, it’s important to eat soft foods that are easy to chew. This includes foods like soup, mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, and yogurt. Avoid hard foods like candy, nuts, and chips, as well as sticky foods like gum and caramel. These can damage your braces or get stuck in them, which can be difficult to clean. If you’re not sure if a food is safe for braces, ask your orthodontist or dental professional.

Don’ts

Don’t Neglect Your Oral Hygiene

It’s important to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, in order to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.

Don’t Forget To See Your Orthodontist

Be sure to keep up with your regular appointments with your orthodontist, so that they can make any necessary adjustments to your braces.

Avoid Hard Food Items

It’s important to avoid hard food items when you have braces because they can damage the brackets and wires. Chewy and sticky foods can also be difficult to eat with braces and can cause the wires to come loose. Instead, opt for softer foods that are easy to chew.

Avoid Sticky Foods

When you have braces, it’s important to avoid sticky foods that can cling to your teeth and brackets. These foods can be difficult to remove and can cause cavities and other problems. Sticky foods to avoid include:

Don’t Forget To Wear Your Retainer After The Braces Have Been Removed

It’s important to wear your retainer after you’ve had braces removed. Otherwise, your teeth may start to shift back into their original position. Wearing a retainer helps keep your smile looking its best.

Conclusion

Braces are a great way to keep your teeth healthy and straight. By following the dos and don’ts of braces outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your braces will be effective and stay on for as long as necessary. With proper care and maintenance, you can have a beautiful smile with perfectly straight teeth in no time! Remember to always listen to the advice of your orthodontist and remain dedicated to caring for your braces so they can help you achieve a healthy mouthful of perfect pearly whites.

 FAQs

1. Do I need to brush my teeth before or after I put my braces on?

A: You should brush your teeth before you put your braces on in order to avoid getting food particles stuck in them. However, if you do get food particles stuck in your braces, you can remove them by brushing your teeth after you eat.

2. Can I still eat the foods I love with braces?

A: Yes! You can still eat all of your favorite foods with braces, but you may need to cut certain foods into smaller pieces so that they don’t get caught in your brackets and wires. Also, be sure to avoid hard and sticky foods as they can damage your braces.

3. How often do I need to see the dentist while I have braces?

A: It is important to see the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and check-up while you have braces. This will help ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy during treatment.