Having a Good Relationship Between You and Your Braces

If you’re new to orthodonture, chances are you’re curious as to how to get the best results from your braces. After all, for the next couple years or so (depending on how long your treatment will take and the type of braces you’ve gotten), your braces are going to be your new best friend: with you wherever you go.

So how can you go about getting your relationship with your braces off to a great start and keeping it that way?

1. Eat the right foods | It might be tempting to go for yummy, sticky caramels or delicious hard candies, but beware. These foods could completely annihilate your braces. Any damage to your braces will damage your overall treatment and require you to come in to get your braces fixed. This can throw your treatment timeline off. Additionally, damaging your braces can be quite painful, particularly if you end up breaking them.

2. Clean often | We’ve all known those people who seem to always have food in their braces. Don’t be that person. Make sure you clean your teeth after every meal. Talk to Dr. Faleye about the best portable tools to carry with you so that you can always make sure your teeth are clean.

3. Floss and brush regularly | Because your braces adhere to your teeth, it’s easy for people to brush poorly and miss entire areas of teeth. Make it a point to brush and floss regularly and thoroughly. This will help prevent the development of plaque and calcification that is harder to remove.

4. Use mouth rinse | Orthodontic treatment has a tendency to cause inflamed and red gums because of the body reacting to the brackets and the increase in plaque. You can help soothe the inflammation and prevent decay through the use of a mouth rinse like Listerine.

5. Drink water regularly | Water is a brace wearer’s BFF. Water helps clean the entire oral cavity, can dislodge particles, and can quickly remove any coating that’s the result of sugary beverages or foods. Make it a point to carry a water bottle with you at all times.

6. Use a prescription strength toothpaste | Talk with Dr. Faleye about arming yourself with a toothpaste that helps to prevent cavities in people whose teeth are particularly sensitive. These kinds of toothpastes contain prescription levels of fluoride, which is why you can only get them at the dentist’s office.

By following these steps, you’re giving yourself the highest probability of having a positive experience with your braces. You’re also ensuring that they’re taken care of, so that you don't have to pay additional dollars for extra care or repair.

If you’re in need of braces or have questions about caring for braces, give us a call. Our team is here to answer any questions you have and make sure you’ve got the information necessary to have the healthiest mouth and brightest smile possible.