Having an orthodontist put braces on your teeth isn't the end of the world. It is a great way to get a beautiful smile. While having braces shouldn't affect your daily life too much, there are certain restrictions that will prevent the braces from becoming damaged. Bad habits can also cause you to have straight teeth with poor oral health. There are a few things that you can do to ensure you have positive and successful orthodontics.
Food Choices
Some foods should be avoided while undergoing treatments like braces because they can damage the appliance. Sticky foods, such as candies, can stick into the hard to reach areas of your braces and increase the possibility of dental decay. It also helps to avoid drinks high in sugar. Your orthodontist will also advise you to eliminate hard, sticky, and crunchy foods from your diet. These foods can bend and break the wires that are keeping the tension on your teeth.
Ice cubes and other hard objects such as pencils and fingernails can also severely damage braces. Popcorn is another no-no. This snack and its husks can get stuck in your gum line, get stuck under the braces, and the unpopped kernels can break off the braces or become wedged between the braces. Foods high in citric acid such as lemons can dissolve your teeth's weakened enamel
Dental Care
Brushing with a soft bristled toothbrush multiple times per day is vital to keeping the braces and your teeth clean and free from decay and gum disease. Flossing will take more time, but it is necessary once the orthodontics have been placed on your teeth. Using a Waterpik before brushing and flossing will give you the best results.
Although adjustments can be uncomfortable, they ensure you get good results. You need to go to all of your appointments so the state of your teeth and braces can be checked and treated if they need it. If you miss appointments, you might have to live with your braces longer than originally planned. If you notice your braces have broken between visits, it is important to go in as soon as possible to have them fixed.
Personal Habits To Avoid
Although some bad habits are not good for anyone, they are particularly bad for those with braces. Your orthodontist will tell you not to bite on your fingernails or lips. It is also extremely destructive to chew on hard objects like pencils or to rip things open with your teeth, such as plastic packages. Lastly, pushing on your teeth with your tongue can actually force your teeth to move out of alignment and may bend your orthodontics.
Tips For Easing Discomfort
Many people find that using wax on braces helps to smooth out any sharp edges on your orthodontics that make it uncomfortable or that might even cut your tongue. Using a toothbrush without toothpaste to massage your teeth and gums has also shown to provide some relief from the discomfort of braces and gets your teeth exceptionally clean. Many orthodontists recommend doing this for a half hour each evening.
Whether you have them put on in Boston or Long Island, orthodontics appliances such as braces are a great way to straighten your teeth. Unfortunately, they need a little help from the wearer in order to be successful. While these things might seem insignificant, they will help your orthodontists to provide you with a straight, healthy smile.