Tips and Tricks to Care for Your New Braces

Getting braces is a big step to achieving a healthy and beautiful smile. While the journey to straight teeth can be daunting, the right care and commitment can make it a smooth and rewarding experience. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you care for your new braces and achieve the smile of your dreams.

Keep the braces clean

Oral hygiene is an essential part of caring for new braces. One should brush their teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day. Be gentle while brushing and flossing, as cleaning around the brackets, and wires will take longer. Consider investing in a soft-bristled toothbrush and a floss threader to clean between the wires and around the braces effectively.

Make informed food choices

Adjusting to eating with braces can take time. However, it is important to avoid certain foods that can damage or get stuck in the braces. Avoid the following items:

• Sticky foods (e.g., caramel and gum)
• Chewy foods (e.g., gummy candy and granola bars)
• Hard or crunchy foods (e.g., popcorn, chips, and nuts)
• Foods that require more biting (e.g., apples and carrots)

In addition, make sure to cut fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces to prevent damage while still eating a balanced and nutritious diet.

Wear a mouthguard

Mouthguards help protect the teeth, mouth, and braces while playing sports. An orthodontist can create a personalized mouth guard that gives wearers comfortable protection from damage. It is important to properly clean and care for the mouthguard between each use to prevent bacteria build-up.

Use dental wax

When first adjusting to new braces, some patients may experience irritation or sores due to the braces rubbing against their cheeks and lips. Dental wax can help. Applying it to the brackets and wires in the affected area can create a smooth surface and provide relief. It can also prevent blisters and sores from developing in the future.

Wear elastics as instructed

Elastics, also known as inter-arch rubber bands, correct the orthodontic issue (malocclusion). Wear the elastics exactly as the orthodontist instructed. Patients typically need to wear them all day and need to be changed at least three times throughout the day as they lose their elasticity.

Break bad habits

Habits such as nail-biting, chewing on pens, or biting on ice cubes can damage braces and prolong one's treatment duration. Continuing these habits after getting braces can break brackets and wires, leading to an expensive orthodontic emergency.

Attend regular check-ups

It is important to go to routine check-up appointments with an orthodontist throughout the treatment process. Regular check-ups allow the orthodontist to observe the patient's progress, make necessary adjustments, and address issues promptly. Take advantage of these visits; they help achieve one's desired results.

In addition, be sure to know when to call the orthodontist outside of regular check-ups. These situations may include:

• Experiencing severe pain after the placement procedure
• Loose wires and bands
• Damage from a physical activity
• A broken elastic hook