Dental braces are an incredibly common way to fix misaligned teeth and jaws, but taking care of them correctly is essential for achieving the desired results. You should remember a few basic tenets when caring for your braces — from what to do while brushing your teeth to the kind of food that can get stuck between wires.
Having healthy and properly aligned teeth starts with knowing which hygiene practices you should implement, so we’ve created this complete guide on how best to take care of your braces. We understand the importance of proper braces care at Brodie Bowman Orthodontics in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Let’s dive in and explore how you can keep your braces in great shape while achieving your teeth straightening goals.
Types of Braces: Finding Your Fit
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of braces care, it’s essential to understand the types of braces available.
Mini Diamond Braces
Mini-Diamond braces are a type of traditional metal braces. They are smaller and less noticeable than regular metal braces, making them popular for people seeking a more discreet option. They work similarly to traditional braces, using brackets and archwires to move teeth into their proper positions gradually.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Clear ceramic braces are similar in design to traditional metal braces, but the brackets are made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic material. This makes them less visible on the teeth, especially from a distance. They are a good option for those who want a less noticeable appearance while still benefiting from the effectiveness of braces.
Aligners (i.e., Invisalign)
Invisalign aligners are personalized, transparent trays that gradually shift teeth to their desired positions. They’re removable, convenient, and barely noticeable when worn. They can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing, providing a high level of flexibility. Aligners are ideal for addressing mild to moderate orthodontic issues and are popular among adults and older teenagers.
SmartClip Braces From 3M Unitek
SmartClip braces are self-ligating, using a specialized mechanism to hold the archwire without traditional elastic ligatures (bands). This design is intended to reduce friction and potentially result in more comfortable treatment, shorter appointment times, and fewer adjustments.
The Importance of Proper Care: Setting the Stage for Success
Taking care of your braces properly doesn’t just mean avoiding particular food and drinks that can damage the appliance; it also means regularly exercising good hygiene to keep your gums, teeth, and other oral structures healthy. Proper care is essential for achieving the best possible results from wearing braces — whether they are traditional metal or new technology devices such as clear ceramic brackets or lingual braces. Here are some tips for taking proper care of your braces:
Clean Your Teeth Regularly
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for those with braces. It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove any plaque and food particles from the wires and brackets of your braces. Additionally, using an interdental brush or water flosser can help clean the areas between your teeth that your toothbrush may not be able to reach.
Avoid Hard Foods
It is best to avoid hard foods such as nuts, popcorn, and hard candy while wearing braces, as these can damage the brackets or wires. Instead, opt for softer foods such as cooked vegetables, soft fruits, yogurt, and cheese.
Wear a Mouthguard for Sports
If you play contact sports or participate in other physical contact activities, wearing a mouthguard to protect your braces from damage is vital. Ensure the mouthguard fits appropriately over your braces so you can still breathe easily while wearing it.
Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects
To prevent any harm to the wires and brackets of your braces, it’s advisable to refrain from chewing on hard objects like ice cubes or pencils.
Don’t Play With Your Braces
Playing with your braces by trying to move them with your tongue or fingers can cause damage and delay treatment progress. If you feel something isn’t right with your braces, contact us immediately rather than trying to fix it yourself.
Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly
It is essential to visit us regularly for checkups throughout treatment so that they can monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal results are achieved in the shortest amount of time possible.
Wear Elastics As Directed
If your orthodontist has prescribed elastics (rubber bands), make sure that you wear them as directed to achieve the desired treatment outcome more quickly than if they were not worn at all.
Eat Carefully Around Braces
When eating food that requires cutting or biting into pieces (such as apples or sandwiches), take care when doing so in order not to damage the wires or brackets of your braces, which could lead to discomfort and delay treatment progress.
Complete Your Journey to a Perfect Smile With Us in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Maintaining proper care and hygiene while wearing braces can seem daunting, but it can become a part of your daily routine with a little extra effort and diligence. Taking care of your teeth is essential to the success of your orthodontic treatment, and Brodie Bowman Orthodontics in Fort Walton Beach, FL, is here to guide you every step of the way. We can provide the necessary information to maintain your teeth’ health and ensure that your braces are practical and comfortable.
With various braces available, finding the right one for you is crucial. No matter the type, though, proper care and diligence are vital in obtaining the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. Contact us online or call us at (850) 863-2122 for more information or a consultation.