Learned braces are on the agenda and starting to feel a little trepidatious?
We’ve all heard horror stories. Food getting stuck in them, sporting a metal grin in photos, and the potential pain that comes after adjusting braces. The good news is, braces are no longer the dystopic future that you see in movies.
Life with braces can be relatively smooth sailing, and here are some things you can do to help make the process easier.
Level Up Your Cleaning Routine
Dental hygiene is a very important part of life with braces, and in the beginning, it can seem like it takes up a lot of time. Once you’ve got your routine down, however, it will all become second nature for you.
Instead of brushing twice a day, you’ll need to brush after every meal, including any snacks. Look out for a toothbrush that’s made especially for braces to make the process foolproof.
If flossing wasn’t part of your routine before, it must be added once your braces are on. Flossing can help remove the excess plaque and food particles that remain after brushing and reduce the likelihood of bacteria forming. A regular floss is an option, but consider a floss threader to allow you to reach easily along the curve of the gumline and underneath the wire.
Foods to Avoid
Your eating habits will have to change a little, and while you don’t have to cross your favorite foods off the menu, it will be smart to avoid them as much as you can. You’ll want to steer clear of anything sticky, crunchy, or chewy as these textures can bend or break the wires or get stuck in hard-to-reach places. Here are some of the top foods to avoid:
- Apples
- Barbecue ribs
- Beef jerky
- Caramels
- Celery
- Chewing gum
- Corn on the cob
- Gummy candies
- Hard taco shells
- Peanut brittle
- Pizza crust
- Popcorn
As an alternative, opt for softer foods that are easier to chew. Pasta, bananas, cheeses, puddings, and mashed potatoes are all safe choices.
Show Your Personality
One of the benefits of wearing braces is that there are now many different options available, so you can tailor your look based on your personal preference. Traditional braces came in metal as your only option, but now you’ve also got self-ligating, lingual and ceramic braces.
Ceramic braces are made of a clear or tooth-colored material for a more discreet look but the teeth straightening process is the same as metal braces. Self-litigating braces also work similarly but use clips or doors to hold the wire in place rather than the elastic bands. Lingual braces are more specialized and place most of the hardware behind the teeth.
Enjoy Your New Life With Braces
You’ve learned how to improve your life with braces so that it becomes a manageable and even pain-free part of your daily routine. Now it’s time to take the next step and learn about what options are available for you. Get in touch with us at Yuba City Orthodontics, and we’ll be happy to chat about your next steps.