How to Properly Care for Your Braces for Superior Results
Getting your braces properly fitted is where your role in the orthodontic process begins. It is crucial that you perform proper care and maintenance on your braces to ensure that you get the proper results. The caring professionals at Bandeen Orthodontics of Three Rivers want to make sure you have the knowledge to properly care for your braces to avoid any setbacks in your care. While your orthodontist will discuss techniques specific to your situation, there are basic things that every orthodontic patient should or should not do to keep your braces in good condition. In today’s post, we will discuss the basic dos and don’ts for patients who need to wear braces.
Proper Care and Maintenance for Your Braces
Once your braces are in place, the most important thing to remember is to continue with your regular oral hygiene practices. By doing this, you will remove any food particles from your teeth, while also preventing plaque from building up and cluttering up your braces. You need to continue brushing your teeth, making sure to use a circular motion and brush at the gumline where food particles can be hidden. Food particles can become lodged in your braces, adversely affecting the way they work.
When it comes to food and drink, you should be mindful about the amount of sugar and acid in your diet, as these foods can wear away the enamel on your teeth. Using a fluoride rinse or paste before bedtime can also benefit you with added protection. You will also need to continue with regularly scheduled dental cleanings and checkups to maintain your dental health.
Things to Avoid While Wearing Braces
While there are things you need to do while wearing braces, there are also things that you absolutely should NOT do. You need to be mindful of the food you eat, as certain types of food can cause problems with your braces. Foods that are hard, sticky, or crunchy should be avoided because they could possibly knock the backets off, which will require a trip to your orthodontist to properly fix it. Chewing gum and sticky gummy candies can get stuck inside your braces where it is nearly impossible to completely remove. If you have nervous chewing habits like biting your fingernails or chewing on the end of a pen, you need to make a cognizant effort to stop, as these habits can also cause trouble with your braces.
To get started on your path to proper orthodontic care, contact the experts at Bandeen Orthodontics in Three Rivers today to schedule your initial consultation.