Life With Braces
Now that you are on the road to having beautiful, straight teeth there are a few things you need to know that will make living with your braces easier. Having braces does not need to have a major impact on your lifestyle but it is important that you take care of them and make a few adjustments to what you eat and do so that your orthodontic treatment is hassle-free.
Hygiene
Brushing your teeth while wearing braces isn’t that much different than brushing without them. After all, you’ll still probably use a toothbrush and floss. However, making sure you do a good job is more important than ever. When you’re wearing braces, food particles and plaque have many more places to get trapped. If you don’t brush and floss properly, your enamel may stain and your teeth may decay around the brackets or bands.
First, you need to carefully brush and rinse after every meal or snack with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a fluoride rinse. Secondly, you definitely need to take the time to floss well between braces and under all of the wires. Finally, you need to visit the dentist regularly between orthodontic appointments to ensure that your gums and teeth remain healthy throughout the process.
If you’d still like more detailed tips, check out the simple and effective braces cleaning tips from Oral-B:
1. Prepare to brush. Take off elastics, and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.
2. Clean your braces. Use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush from the top of each wire and then from the bottom. (Take time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed and that you work all the way around upper and lower teeth.)
3. Brush your teeth. Clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Do this for about 10 seconds. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.
4. Floss once a day with super floss, a type of floss for cleaning around appliances such as braces. Have your dental professional show you how to use this floss, or follow the instructions on the product package.
5. Rinse and check your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with a fluoride rinse or water, and examine your teeth and braces in the mirror. They should sparkle, shine and feel clean.
Remember, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at (410) 267-7300.
Eating With Braces
There are certain foods that are a ‘no-no’ when you have braces, as they may damage them, but this is a small price to pay for having the perfect smile. Don’t worry, you can still enjoy most of your favorite foods but it is advised that you avoid anything too hard, chewy, or sticky. Foods to steer clear of include bagels, licorice, caramel, chewing gum, nuts, hard sweets, and foods that are difficult to bite into, such as apples and corn on the cob. Our expert team will advise you on what foods to avoid when you have your treatment.
Playing Sports With Braces
The good news is that having braces does not stop you from playing sports, however, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance, especially if you are playing competitive contact sports. Please ask someone from our team about a custom-fit mouthguard. If you ever have any accident while playing sports that affect your braces just contact our office at 410-267-7300.
The ‘ouch’ Factor
Braces can cause some discomfort, particularly when you first get them. Your mouth, teeth, and even your lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel a little bit tender and sore as your body gets used to the braces. This is nothing to worry about, it is perfectly normal and the effects will not be long-lasting. If you are experiencing any difficulties adjusting to your new braces then let us know.
Tip: We recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water and gargling with it for a few minutes before spitting it out (please do not swallow). If you are still experiencing discomfort after doing this then try taking a pain reliever. We can also supply you with some special wax to put over the braces to lessen the tenderness.
Loose Teeth
In order to attain your new smile, your teeth will need to be moved into a new straighter, and more aesthetically pleasing position. As such, during your orthodontic treatment, your teeth can sometimes feel a little bit lose. This is nothing to worry about and is an essential part of the treatment. Once your teeth have been repositioned and realigned, they will no longer feel loose.
Maintenance
While you have your braces on you will have regular maintenance appointments, however, every now and then, the wires and bands on your braces may come loose or even fall off. If this happens simply call us and make an appointment to come in so we can check and repair your braces for you as quickly as possible. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
Tip: A handy tip to temporarily fix a loose wire is to use the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push it back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation you can put wax over the end to relieve any discomfort until you’re able to see your dentist.
Damaged appliances can lengthen the time of your treatment, so make sure you follow these few simple rules and do anything you are instructed to do by your dentists in regard to your braces. Taking good care of your braces will mean that your treatment will be as quick and smooth as possible.
If you have any questions about your braces or your treatment plan contact our team at (410) 267-7300.
