So you just got back from the orthodontist and you have a fresh pair of colorful braces on. While it may not be the best feeling in the world, it’s an important treatment that will significantly improve your oral health.
Foods that easily stick to your teeth or a smile that is rather crooked can be improved with braces.
While it may seem like a huge commitment, adult braces are beneficial and the right alignment of teeth can prevent gum disease that may cause more discomfort than usual.
Here Are 5 Tips For Patients With Adult Braces:
Regular Brushing & Flossing
Brackets and wires can trap food and plaque. Brushing and flossing after every meal will help to fight tooth decay and bad breath.
If you don’t regularly brush, plaque can build up around your braces and cause unsightly permanent white spots on your teeth that will be obvious once your braces are removed.
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a soft bristle brush and brush normally. Additionally, you can also use a proxy-brush. This is a small brush that fits into tight places where your regular brush can’t reach.
Flossing is also an important practice. You should be diligent about flossing once a day. A threader makes flossing easier. Let the floss through the loop of the threader and push the straight end under the wire, pulling the floss through.
Eat Right
You will have to take a little extra care when you have adult braces on. A key tip is to avoid eating chewy and sticky foods, while hard foods should be cut up into small bite-sized pieces. Here are some soft foods to eat with braces:
- Grains – Pasta, Soft Cooked Rice
- Vegetables – Steamed Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes, Beans
- Fruits – Bananas, Applesauce, Berries, Smoothies
- Dairy – Pudding, Yogurts, Soft Cheese, Milk-Based drinks, Cottage Cheese, Eggs
If you’re consistently eating healthy, this tip may not surface as a problem. But if you are a frequent visitor at the local food bazaar, you may have to curb your cravings.
Snacks loaded with cheese, nuts, wraps, and popcorn are among the few foods that hit the “NO” list for patients with adult braces.
Remove Elastics Only When Eating & Cleaning Teeth
If your braces have small hooks, elastic bands should be worn at all times. The only time you’re allowed to remove them is before you eat or clean your teeth.
The bands are important since they prevent the hooks from getting caught or rubbing against your cheeks. It assures you don’t develop cuts inside your mouth.
Find A Dentist You Are Comfortable With
Choosing the right dentist for your dental treatment is vital to ensure you are at ease at every appointment. This will allow you to easily approach your dentist in case of loose wires and brackets.
Make sure you also do not miss out on regular follow-up appointments. These follow-ups are essential to replace worn-out rubber bands, check the advancement of your treatment, and make required adjustments to your wires and brackets.
Wear Retainers After Braces
You probably heard your dentist telling you about wearing retainers after braces. So your excitement probably took a backseat when you were told your orthodontic treatment isn’t quite over.
As you get older, your teeth will shift a little no matter what. And after a huge commitment with braces, all it takes is a little extra care to ensure your teeth do not return to their previously crooked position.
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Author Bio:
Emily Taylor found the perfect fit for herself as the Online Marketing Manager at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno CA as she believes that a great smile does more than just make a person look great – it makes them feel great as well. The power of a smile has always been a mystery to Emily, and she loves researching and writing about it.
She loves to write about everything to do with a healthy bite and a beautiful smile – weather is it ways to achieve it or the importance of it in the various aspects of life. What brings a big smile on Emily’s face is her family and surfing. She also likes to bake, and her children and co-workers call her the cookie fairy!
