Whether you have braces or you want them, congratulations for taking this great step towards your appearance and your health. As dental experts, we understand that living with braces is not always that easy, but it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll get used to it with each passing day. And soon enough, you’ll have a straight, healthy, and beautiful smile that you’ll be glad to flaunt to the world.
At the office of Brodie Bowman, DMD, we strive to give you the best possible experience—when you’re undergoing treatment and when you go home. That’s why we’ve collected some helpful tips you should follow while wearing braces.
Eating Tips
Don’t allow braces to stop you from sampling your favorite delicacies. There are some obvious foods to avoid, including hard candy, gum, or anything too sticky. Hard nuts and popcorn can be troublesome as well. But most crunchy treats are okay—just slice bite-size bits and everything will be fine. Vegetables and fruits should either be cut into little pieces or cooked. As for chewy breads, eat them bit by bit.
While chewing on fingernails, pencils, and other hard stuff is bad for your teeth, it’s especially dangerous if you’ve got braces. Therefore, if you love to chew on things, kick this habit before you undergo treatment. This may involve dealing with other stress sources in your life, of which chewing can typically be a symptom.
Dental Care
Flossing, brushing, and rinsing your teeth need not take longer with braces on—but you should use slightly different methods. Brush each tooth up and down with a standard soft toothbrush, and then brush the space between braces with a proxabrush. Floss between wires, and gently pull the thread so as to not displace anything.
Wear and Clean Your Retainer
When your braces come off, you’re done with them—but you still have to put on your retainer religiously to keep teeth in place.
See, living with braces doesn’t have to be that bad if you follow certain tips. If you want more information about living with orthodontic devices, Dr. Brodie Bowman and his team can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Fort Walton Beach or Niceville!