Braces are one of the most common dental procedures. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, approximately 4 million individuals in the United States are currently wearing braces. But it’s not just teens who are getting braces. Many adults also need to wear them, too. Getting used to wearing braces can be difficult, but the results are worth it. Here are four tips to help you get the most out of your braces.
1. Try Your Best to Keep Your Teeth Clean
Brushing is the number one priority when it comes to keeping your braces clean, so you should brush after every meal and twice a day on most days. You can also floss once or twice a day (or as often as your orthodontist recommends). The next step in cleaning is using a mouth rinse to remove plaque and prevent bad breath. Drinking plenty of water is also important since the extra saliva in the mouth helps keep your teeth clean.
2. Be Careful of What You Eat
You should avoid certain foods when you have braces, at least until you get used to your braces. These include hard and crunchy foods that can break or damage your braces or wire, such as hard nuts and ice. Be careful with anything sticky because it can get stuck in your teeth and be very difficult to remove. Foods such as taffy and caramels are also not good for people who wear braces. Even if you can eat these foods without trouble, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Do Not Skip Orthodontic Appointments
It might be tempting to try and skip orthodontic appointments, but you should always keep your orthodontist in the loop. If you’re not getting your teeth checked regularly, it’s much more difficult to tell if orthodontic treatment is working well. Missed orthodontic appointments can also cause a delay in treatment, which will make it more expensive.
4. Consider a Mouth Guard for Sports
Most orthodontists recommend mouth guards for a variety of sports. They can help protect your braces from being damaged during a sport, especially if you play a contact sport or participate in sports that are likely to cause injury.
Orthodontic treatment can be very beneficial, but it requires some effort on your part. By following these orthodontic tips, you’ll be able to cut down on the time you need to wear your braces. Looking for orthodontists to help improve your smile? Call us today to schedule a free orthodontic consultation.