Before you get braces, your orthodontist hands you a long list of dos and don’ts—what to eat, how to brush, what to avoid—and it can feel like a lot all at once, and maybe even a little intimidating. But braces, like everything we learn to live with, become part of your routine before you know it. However, with proper care and a few smart habits, taking care of your braces doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it can be simple, and soon enough, it will be second nature.
In this blog, we’ve gathered the most fundamental tips your orthodontist is sure to mention, and we’ll guide you through each one in detail. From mastering the art of brushing and flossing with braces to navigating which foods to avoid, we’ve got all the essentials covered.
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#1 Brush, Floss, and Rinse After Every Meal
Keeping your mouth and teeth clean while having braces is the number one tip you need to follow. Food can easily get stuck between the brackets and wires, and if left there for a long time, it can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath, and eventually cavities.
Brushing your teeth with braces isn’t all that different from brushing without them—you’ll still use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. What does change is the technique and a few extra steps that are easy to overlook.
Start by rinsing your mouth with water to loosen any food particles stuck around your brackets and wires. Then, gently brush around each bracket and along the gumline using small circular motions. Once your teeth are thoroughly brushed, it’s time to floss. This step is crucial for removing food and plaque from between your teeth, basically any area your brush can’t reach. While flossing with braces can be tricky, tools like waxed floss, floss threaders, or dental tape can make the process much easier and more effective.
Now comes the last step. To give your teeth and gums an extra layer of protection, rinse your mouth again, but this time with a mouthwash. This can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
#2 Be Careful What You Eat
No matter what type of braces you’re wearing—be it metal, ceramic, or lingual braces—they are designed to be removed at the end of the treatment. Therefore, they can’t be glued too hard to your teeth, or otherwise your orthodontist won’t be able to remove them.
When you eat sticky or hard foods, such as raw vegetables, popcorn, caramel, nuts, chewing gum, hard candies, or crackers, the wires or brackets might break off, causing you discomfort and possibly an emergency visit to the clinic.
So, what should you do in this case? The easiest thing you can do is cut your food into small pieces and try to chew with your back teeth to avoid any breakages. That way, you can still enjoy your favorite foods while making sure your braces are in good shape.
The same idea applies to removable aligners like Invisalign. The significant advantage with these is flexibility—you can take them out before every meal, enjoy your food without restrictions, and then put them back once you’re done (after brushing your teeth, of course).
#3 Attend All Scheduled Appointments
Before starting your treatment, your orthodontist will likely provide a clear plan outlining your upcoming check-ups and the specific adjustments needed for your braces.
These visits not only help your orthodontist ensure your treatment is progressing as planned, but they also give you a great opportunity to ask any questions or bring up any concerns you may have. So, you should never miss a checkup, and if you do, you can always reschedule.
#4 Be Patient, Consistency Leads to Results
You need to remember that having braces is a long-term commitment. Your teeth won’t shift overnight. They will take their time to get to the result you are hoping for.
Being patient throughout your orthodontic journey is essential. Teeth move gradually, and the subtle daily progress might not always be noticeable. However, by following the dentist’s instructions and the tips mentioned above, you will be steadily moving toward a healthier, more aligned smile. We understand that the discomfort you may feel at times can be unpleasant, but it is also temporary. In contrast, the benefits of a properly aligned set of teeth will last a lifetime.
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