Protecting Your Braces
Corpus Christi, TX
 If you recently received braces, then you may have several questions about how to keep them working optimally to ensure the best results by the end of the treatment. Many people who have braces do not know very much about them, except they are new and are going to require adjustments, both mentally and physically. Do not let this concern you, though, as caring for your braces can be one of the easiest things you have to do when it comes to your oral health, and we here at Star Orthodontics are happy to teach you how.
Those who just got their braces on may have been told about several things to watch out for and options for how to get the most out of their treatment. There may have been so many instructions given that you may feel a bit confused or perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the expectations about what you are supposed to be doing. You should not be worried, however, because as with many things that can often be a little scary at first, it only gets easier with time and you will find it does not take long at all for you to adjust to caring for your braces.
Braces are usually required when you have a variety of issues going on in the mouth that we would rather either restore or avoid, to prevent you from experiencing pain or discomfort. Those who have been given the option of braces may have dental issues that could either make them feel unhappy with their appearance, cause them issues at mealtimes, such as chewing, or even make it difficult for them to speak. Braces can alleviate most issues, even serious misalignment, in a relatively short amount of time.
Caring For Your Braces
It is actually quite easy to take care of your teeth with or without braces, which can be as simple as removing bacteria that accumulates after a meal before it has a chance to evolve into plaque, which can eat away at the enamel. Without braces, it is suggested that you brush when you first wake up and before you go to bed, but with braces, you will need to do it more often. Besides removing particles of food from the dental work, it will also help keep your teeth in the best shape possible. Brushing after every meal can go a long way towards keeping your braces fully functional and effective.
Be sure to watch what you put in your mouth, however, because even though your braces are glued down pretty tightly to your enamel, the wrong thing can cause them to become dislodged or pieces of them to fall out. Many sticky foods such as caramel and gum can adhere to your dental work and could compromise the integrity of the wires used to adjust your teeth. Alternatively, crunchy foods, such as carrots, apples, peanut brittle, and even ice could cause unintentional damage to the brackets or wires of your braces.
The best way to keep your braces protected is by tending to them the best you can with a soft toothbrush at least five times a day and watching what you put into your mouth. If you are interested in learning more ways about how you can protect your braces, please give us here at Star Orthodontics a call at 361-371-8555 a call to schedule an appointment. |
