Getting braces allows you to straighten out your smile and address any potential dental issues. If you want the best results, you need to make sure you are taking care of your braces. Regular maintenance will help the process along.
Dental Care
One of the most important things you can do is maintain or even improve your oral hygiene. You need to make sure you are keeping your teeth clean so you can avoid cavities and other dental problems. You need to be brushing at least twice a day. Since your braces make it difficult to reach everything while brushing, you also should floss and use mouthwash.
There are special flossers you can use that allow you to floss even with wires or brackets on your teeth. After you’ve brushed, flossed, and used mouthwash, you should do a thorough check in the mirror to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
Adjustments
For braces to actually get the job done, they need to be adjusted. Small adjustments made over time are what cause your teeth to shift. In most cases, adjustments include having the wires on your braces changed out. The new wires will be a slightly different size or thickness. You may also need to have brackets replaced if they have come loose or completely fallen off.
Most people need to go to the orthodontist every month or two to have braces adjusted. Talk with your orthodontist about the expected schedule. They will let you know how often you’ll need adjustments.
Diet Changes
While braces do a lot for your teeth, they do have some downsides. Braces can become damaged if you eat certain foods, so you need to refrain from these foods while you have braces. Examples include foods that are sticky, crunchy, or hard. You should also avoid foods like apples or corn on the cob because biting into them can shift your brackets. While you should avoid several foods the entire time, you may also want to avoid foods right after getting your braces adjusted. Your mouth may be sore after an adjustment and if you had brackets moved or replaced, they might not be hardened yet.
When you take good care of your braces, they can do the job they’re supposed to. Make sure you are aware of all the rules related to braces and do your best to follow them. You’ll be grateful for the results.
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