All About Braces: What to Expect
Learning how to live with braces can be quite the hassle, but effective towards treatment of orthodontic problems. Not to mention a short while of effort is worth it for a lifelong perfect smile!
Braces in everyday life
Anyone getting their braces should learn how to manage them. Mistreatment of braces will only lengthen the time they’ll take to come off, and even cause harm to your teeth.
Learn how you can manage wearing braces in day to day tasks.
Eating
Your teeth and gums will feel sore for a little while till you get used to the fixtures. It is advised you stick to soft foods for a few day and then return to a normal diet; but take a few precautions:
Avoid extremely sticky and chewy foods (candy, gum, caramels).
Avoid biting down food your teeth can get stuck in, like corn on cob.
Avoid chewing hard things. This is especially for those who are in a habit or chewing on ends of pencils or pens out of nervousness.
Tip: Dentistry for teeth alignment has come a long way – today there are more aesthetically appealing and less complex alternatives to metal bracket braces. Invisaligners are not only visually less inconspicuous, but also easier to manage.
Hygiene
In addition to the usual accumulation of food in gaps between and around your teeth, as a brace-wearer, you also accumulate food around the brace etchings. So it is crucial that you make the extra effort cleaning your teeth.
Brushing - Use a dry toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste, and move it along the part where teeth and gums join in precise, circular movements. Repeat the same method in underside and edges of your teeth.
Flossing - Use un-waxed floss to carefully thread around and between the braces on each tooth.
Aside from basic cleanliness, taking care of oral hygiene also has a positive effect on the overall result of your orthodontic treatment.
Physical Activity
There is no reason you should stop playing the sports you love while you wear braces – as long as you avoid taking a hit your face or just wear a mouth-guard. Strenuous activity can cause a slight discomfort in the mouth, so rinse it with warm salt-water to relieve the ache.
If you do take damage to your braces, get them checked immediately.
Check-up
When you wear braces, the archwires or bands in your braces can come loose over time. Do not try and fix it yourself or just ignore it! Visit your orthodontist to get your braces repaired.
Apart from appliance maintenance, you’ll need to continue with your regular dental check-ups. Your braces may be fine, but you still have to go to your routine dental appointment.
At Waterfront Family Dentistry, our practitioners perform a thorough examination to determine the problem and provide you with a dental treatment plan that is both effective and comfortable for you.
Healthy gums and strong teeth are more than just aesthetically attractive; they also contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Contact us today to book an appointment!
