Are you thinking of undergoing orthodontic treatment? Perhaps you are weighing up braces as an option for fixing your teeth and straightening your smile.

When getting braces, it’s easy to overlook the importance of taking care of your teeth, gums, and braces. Neglecting the necessary precautions may cause complications and a further delay in the treatment process.

In this article, we will break down the top tips for taking care of your teeth and braces, making the process easier and less of a hassle.

Do’s of Getting Braces

When getting braces there are some dos to consider. It’s important to take proper steps in order to ensure the braces do their job properly. Here are some that you need to keep in mind:

Brush Your Teeth after Every Meal

Brushing your teeth after every meal is an important part of getting braces. If food particles, plaque, and bacteria are allowed to stay on your teeth and around your braces, it can leave you susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing your teeth thoroughly after each meal is an essential part of properly caring for your braces.

Take Painkillers

Getting braces can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, especially during the adjustment period. Taking painkillers can help ease the soreness and reduce your recovery time from the procedure.

Do take painkillers as prescribed by your orthodontist and only take the dosage they suggest. Don’t take over-the-counter medication without being advised to do so as it can interfere with the healing process.

Use Your Dental Wax

Dental wax helps keep the metal parts of the braces from poking and irritating the gums and cheeks during the adjustment period. Additionally, it creates a smooth, dental sealant for the metal brackets and wires.

Be sure to use the wax sparingly and only in the areas where you feel rubbing and irritation. Don’t forget to check regularly and readjust the wax as needed.

See Your Dental Hygienist

Having invisible braces for teens requires special care and attention, especially for keeping your straight teeth, braces, and gums healthy. Do see your dental hygienist to make sure your teeth are staying as clean as possible throughout your braces-wearing journey.

Of course, popping those bands in and out can take some practice, so don’t hesitate to ask your dental care hygienist for any advice or tips during your check-ups.

Don’ts of Getting Braces

When getting braces, it is important to take the right steps to care for the braces and your teeth to ensure optimal health and efficacy of the braces. Here are some “don’ts” of getting braces:

Don’t Eat Hard, Chunky and Sticky Food

When it comes to getting braces, it’s important to be mindful of what kinds of foods you can and cannot eat. Hard, chunky, and sticky foods should be completely avoided as they can cause damage or impairments to the braces and teeth.

Instead, focus on soft and non-sticky foods that can be easily digested and swallowed, such as oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, soft-cooked eggs and fish, and soups.

Don’t Drink Soda

When it comes to braces, it is important to follow certain dos and don’ts in order to ensure the best possible outcome in the shortest amount of time. One of the most important dos and don’t to keep in mind is to not drink any soda.

Sugary soda and other carbonated, acidic drinks can erode tooth enamel, which can leave teeth vulnerable to further damage, especially when you’re wearing braces. Instead, opt for water or low-sugar, non-acidic beverages like milk.

Don’t Self-Adjust Your Braces

Although braces options are designed to adjust the alignment of your teeth over time, self-adjusting your braces is not a good idea. As tempting as it may be to try and speed up the process by manipulating your braces, it is not recommended. Doing so can cause undue stress on the brackets and wires, leading to extreme pain and discomfort.

Additionally, self-adjusting your braces may cause wires to slip or become protruding, which can be painful and cause ulcers in your mouth. In order to ensure your braces are adjusted to the best of their ability, it is best to have an orthodontist adjust your braces regularly.

Doing so will ensure that your braces are applied correctly and won’t cause any further pain or discomfort. Don’t forget that you should also be following proper oral care with braces so that you can have the best possible outcome when you finish treatment. Remember, self-adjusting your braces is not an option and could result in further damage.

Don’t Miss Your Appointment

Getting braces is a big decision, so it’s important to understand the dos and don’ts of braces before committing. One of the most important dos and don’ts is to never miss an appointment. It’s important to have regular follow-ups and check-ups to ensure that your braces are doing their job correctly and you’re progressing in your treatment.

In order to stay on track, make sure to stay organized and keep up with reminders from your orthodontist, like setting alarms or having your orthodontist text you. This way, you’ll never miss an appointment and you can keep your braces on track.

Start Getting Braces Today

Wearing braces to improve your oral hygiene, in the long term, is worth the few years of slight annoyance while they are on. If you’re considering getting braces, remember the dos and don’ts.

Brush after every meal, practice proper oral hygiene, and don’t forget to wear your rubber bands! Make an appointment with an orthodontist today to get the perfect smile.

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