Embracing braces is a significant step towards achieving the smile you’ve always desired. This orthodontic tool, when tended with care, can create wonders in aligning your teeth and improving your overall oral health. Patients often have questions about how to best care for their braces and maintain their oral health during the treatment process. This blog post aims to shed light on those questions and equip you with some handy tips.
Understanding Your Braces
Braces comprise several components, including brackets, archwires, and elastics, each playing a unique role in the gradual repositioning of your teeth. The brackets are attached to each tooth, linked by the archwire. The elastics secure the archwire to the brackets. Together, these elements apply gentle yet consistent pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them to their ideal positions.
Brace-Friendly Diet
Having braces does necessitate some dietary adjustments. Some foods can damage your braces or impede their function. For instance, hard, sticky, and chewy foods such as hard candy, gum, popcorn, or hard-shelled tacos can become lodged in your braces or even dislodge a bracket or wire. Similarly, biting directly into hard fruits or vegetables like apples or carrots could cause damage. Consider cutting these into small, manageable pieces or cooking them to soften before eating.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is even more critical when you have braces. Food particles can easily get trapped, leading to plaque buildup and potentially causing cavities or gum disease. Brushing after every meal and using a fluoride toothpaste is highly recommended. An interdental brush can be helpful to clean between brackets and under wires. Don’t forget to floss daily; special floss threaders can make this easier when you have braces.
Regular Orthodontic Visits
Regular visits to your orthodontist are an integral part of your braces journey. These visits allow us to monitor your progress, make adjustments to your braces, and address any issues that may arise. It’s also your opportunity to ask any questions or express any concerns.
Embrace the Journey
Each patient’s orthodontic journey is unique, and there may be moments of discomfort or minor inconvenience. However, remember the goal of this journey: a healthier, more beautiful smile. Our role is not only to provide the treatment but also to support and guide you throughout this journey. Together, we will ensure your journey with braces is as comfortable, effective, and rewarding as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns about your braces treatment, please contact Iconic Orthodontics of Atlanta to schedule a consultation with our Summerhill Orthodontist. Your smile is our priority!
