Are braces in your near future? Do you know what to expect? If you’ve ever spent much time around someone while they’ve had braces, you may have heard them complain about them a bit. The truth is that getting braces could make it necessary to make certain lifestyle changes while you have them.
Dental Care Routine
You know you’re supposed to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day when you don’t have braces. That provides the basis for your dental care routine after braces, with a few important changes. It’s easy for food to get stuck in your teeth and braces, so thoroughly brush your teeth and braces with a soft-bristled toothbrush after every time you eat.
Flossing may be more difficult but do it at least once a day anyway. You may find special floss picks and water flossers make flossing easier.
Diet Restrictions
One of the biggest complaints people have about wearing braces is that they have to change what they eat. Hard foods like corn on the cob and apples can be difficult to eat when you have braces. Sticky foods, like caramel, and sharp foods, like chips, can be harmful to your teeth and braces.
That doesn’t mean you have to avoid everything you love though. You may just have to eat it differently. Prepare crunchy foods like apples and raw carrots by cutting them into smaller pieces. Cut the corn off the cob to enjoy it without damaging your braces on the cob.
Extra Precautionary Measures
If you play sports, you may need to take extra precautions to protect your braces and the rest of your mouth when you play. Wearing a mouthguard can reduce the risk of an impact to your face bending your wires or breaking brackets. It will also help protect the rest of your mouth from the sharp edges of the braces. A good impact could otherwise cause your braces to tear the delicate tissues of your cheeks and gums. It should go without saying, but do everything you can to prevent forceful contact between your face and anything else as well.
Change is rarely easy or comfortable. It’s necessary when it comes to braces, however. Making changes to protect both your braces and your teeth can help you avoid delays so your braces can come off as soon as possible. At that point, you’ll get to enjoy your new properly aligned, beautifully straight smile. Remember to wear your retainer as directed to keep those awesome results. You may also seek additional cosmetic dentistry services to further improve your smile.
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