Important Tips for Caring for Metal Braces

As you prepare to get braces and start wearing them, you may be a little nervous. It can take some time to get used to this treatment. You will encounter some challenges, but the result can help you achieve your goals. During the process, you need to be diligent about caring for your braces. This will help you get the most out of the treatment and be happy with your new smile. Your diligence will also help to ensure that you get them off as soon as possible.

The process of getting braces

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires, along with elastics. The orthodontist will attach the brackets to the teeth with dental cement and run the wire through them. The elastics hold the wires in place. Together, these components put constant but gentle pressure on the teeth. This forces the teeth to move into the proper positions in the mouth. The treatment length is usually 18 to 24 months, though this will depend on the severity of the patient’s alignment issues.

The orthodontist will first take X-rays and make impressions of the teeth. From here, the orthodontist will make a treatment plan. The appointment to get the braces takes about 90 minutes. The patient returns to the office every few weeks for follow-up visits. Here, the orthodontist will adjust the braces and review the progress of the treatment.

Stay away from certain foods

Some foods and braces do not mix well. The patient should avoid biting into hard foods such as hard candy, ice, and popcorn kernels. The person should also be cautious about eating chewy and sticky foods such as bagels, gum, and taffy. These items can damage the brackets and wires. There may even be instances where the brackets come off the teeth. The patient should also minimize the amount of sugar they eat.

Keep up with good oral hygiene

Braces do an effective job of straightening teeth. But this treatment can make it more difficult to brush and floss well. As a result, some patients get frustrated and neglect these vital habits. Diligently flossing by using a floss hook to get in between the wires will keep the braces and teeth clean. When brushing, the patient should make sure to hit every part of every tooth.

Rinse often

Inevitably, food will get trapped in the brackets and wires. If the patient does not remove these particles, it can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The braces can also start to deteriorate. Rinsing throughout the day can help. This is especially important after meals and before bedtime.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontist in Reston, VA

Keep your teeth and braces clean and intact

You want your braces to straighten your teeth. But it is also important to make sure they are clean and in good condition. As you do this, you can have peace of mind that the treatment will go well and not drag on. Follow these tips so you can get the most out of this orthodontic care.

Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.

Recent Posts

Foods To Avoid During Braces Orthodontic Treatment

Wearing braces gives you a lot to think about leading up to and during the treatment. The process can be successful and produce the results you want. Whether you have crooked teeth, bite problems, or a crowded mouth, you can soon have a new smile. However, there are some important guidelines to follow during this…

Looking At The Effectiveness And Results Of Braces

Metal braces have been used to straighten teeth for over a century and remain an efficient way to straighten teeth. These oral appliances work by applying constant pressure on your teeth, slowly improving their alignment over 12 to 36 months. The appliance is fixed in your mouth after a dentist installs it, and it stays…

What Happens During Clear Aligner Therapy

Like braces, clear aligner treatment can successfully straighten teeth and correct bite problems. Braces were the most popular and available choice for many years, but aligners are more common today than ever. If you are unhappy with the way your smile looks, aligners can be effective. Understanding how aligners work and what the process is…

Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

Share
Published by
Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

Recent Posts

Foods to Avoid During Braces Orthodontic Treatment

Wearing braces gives you a lot to think about leading up to and during the…

1 day ago

Looking at the Effectiveness and Results of Braces

Metal braces have been used to straighten teeth for over a century and remain an…

7 days ago

What Happens During Clear Aligner Therapy

Like braces, clear aligner treatment can successfully straighten teeth and correct bite problems. Braces were…

1 week ago

Why Your Child Should See a Kids Dental Specialist

The best kids dental specialists will help a child feel safe and informed throughout the…

2 weeks ago

Emergency Pediatric Dentist: Quick Responses to Save Your Child’s Smile

The following are some of the things one can do before seeing the emergency pediatric…

2 weeks ago

Orthodontic Treatment for a Bad Bite

There are many reasons why you might seek orthodontic care. For example, crooked teeth or…

2 weeks ago