It’s kind of considered a rite of passage for adolescents and teens. But braces are growing in popularity for adults too. And it’s beneficial for not just for a better bite, but also eliminates an aging smile. To maintain that whole new smile, there are some important tips you need to follow to complete your orthodontic braces treatment. Read on to learn more.
- Brush Twice a Day
Brushing with braces requires a little more effort than usual. With the addition of wires and brackets, there’s a bigger chance of food particles sticking onto your braces, especially sticky foods. Angular brushing is the key. Hold your brush at an angle of 45 degrees to reach every spot on your braces.
Make sure you brush twice a day. Food particles easily stick onto your braces, attracting both plaque and bacteria. Using the right toothbrush matters a lot too. A toothbrush with soft bristles does not damage any of the wires. Also, replace your toothbrush at regular intervals to compensate for the worn out bristles. Remember that your retainer after braces can only be placed if take care of your teeth. Proper cleaning is important to carry forward your orthodontic treatment as planned.
- Use a Flossing Tool
Invest in a flossing tool to effectively remove stubborn stains and food particles. While it may seem tricky at first, flossing is the key to maintain a healthy mouth throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you are not comfortable using flossing tape, turn to use interdental brushes or floss threaders for braces for easy cleaning. These tools are easily available over-the-counter and at orthodontic offices too.
- Wear Rubber Bands as Instructed
Rubber bands are an essential part of an orthodontic treatment. It requires consistency and cooperation on your part. Rubber bands need to be worn at all times except when you eat or brush your teeth. Make sure the bands you wear are the right size. And because they are super tiny, you might misplace a lot of them. So keep them stored in a case. Failing to wear rubber bands for even one day increases the risk of teeth moving back to their original position.
- Avoid Eating Gummy and Sticky Foods
It’s sure tempting to eat chocolate-covered berries, gummy bears, dates and more. But there’s a good chance they would stick to your braces. Removing sticky and gummy foods from your braces can be a hassle. This is especially true if your toothbrush has worn-out bristles. To avoid the inconvenience, keep your temptations on hold until the time you have braces on.
- Follow Orthodontic Instructions and Don’t Skip Appointments
Your orthodontist will give you additional instructions specific to your needs and case. Follow all the tips suggested to you so that you have a smooth-sailing orthodontic treatment. Visit your orthodontist regularly because there’s always a chance that minor adjustments in your braces need to be made.
Braces for adults are a life-changing procedure for many people. To make the most of it, treat them right so that your investment is worth it. It may seem like too much of an effort at first, but the right habits will be useful throughout your orthodontic treatment and even otherwise.
