Whether you're a teenager or only a kid at heart, caring for your braces should be of the utmost important if you want to have a successful treatment. Thankfully, the proper care and feeding of braces is a relatively simple concept, which is why they are recommended even for rather irresponsible teenagers. As long as you put a modicum of time into following some basic methods, you can be sure to have a pain-free, problem free treatment process and come out the other side with a set of gleaming, straight teeth. Follow the instructions from your orthodontist, make your regular appointments, and follow these tips for best results.
Brushing your teeth will change a little. There are parts of your teeth that won't see a toothbrush for the next several months. Of course, if everything goes as planned, they won't see anything in the way of bacteria or food in that time, either. This is why when you get them off, you'll typically have a gleaming white spot where the actual metal brace was flush against the tooth. Don't worry! The orthodontist will be able to clean that right up and make everything look natural again. But you can do your part by brushing properly in the meantime.
Most dentists recommend brushing with the brush itself held at a 45 degree angle to the tooth. The most important aspect of this is getting the area in between the brace and the gum line. This is where food particles tend to collect and it can lead to gum disease if you aren't careful. Obviously, you're going to want to concentrate on making small brush strokes with soft bristles. Brush gently, as too much force could result in knocking the braces off your teeth. You can typically brush the insides of the teeth and the chewing sides the same as you always have. Still, be careful of brushing too hard, as you could slip and cause damage to the structure.
Besides brushing, the rest of your life can usually be handled as usual. Unless you are engaged in activities that would typically put your teeth in danger (hockey, boxing, etc.) you shouldn't have to change up your activities to make allowances for your braces. If you have a removable set, you may want to take them out before you eat or drink anything, just to make it easier on you. If, however, you have the kind that stay in around the clock, there are some foods you should avoid altogether.
Ice, chewy candy, hard candy, gum, crunchy fruits and snacks, and meat off the bone are typically not recommended for those with braces. You may get away with it for a long time and then one day--pop--you are in need of an emergency orthodontist appointment. Follow instructions when it comes to allowable foods and you'll be glad you did.
Brushing your teeth will change a little. There are parts of your teeth that won't see a toothbrush for the next several months. Of course, if everything goes as planned, they won't see anything in the way of bacteria or food in that time, either. This is why when you get them off, you'll typically have a gleaming white spot where the actual metal brace was flush against the tooth. Don't worry! The orthodontist will be able to clean that right up and make everything look natural again. But you can do your part by brushing properly in the meantime.
Most dentists recommend brushing with the brush itself held at a 45 degree angle to the tooth. The most important aspect of this is getting the area in between the brace and the gum line. This is where food particles tend to collect and it can lead to gum disease if you aren't careful. Obviously, you're going to want to concentrate on making small brush strokes with soft bristles. Brush gently, as too much force could result in knocking the braces off your teeth. You can typically brush the insides of the teeth and the chewing sides the same as you always have. Still, be careful of brushing too hard, as you could slip and cause damage to the structure.
Besides brushing, the rest of your life can usually be handled as usual. Unless you are engaged in activities that would typically put your teeth in danger (hockey, boxing, etc.) you shouldn't have to change up your activities to make allowances for your braces. If you have a removable set, you may want to take them out before you eat or drink anything, just to make it easier on you. If, however, you have the kind that stay in around the clock, there are some foods you should avoid altogether.
Ice, chewy candy, hard candy, gum, crunchy fruits and snacks, and meat off the bone are typically not recommended for those with braces. You may get away with it for a long time and then one day--pop--you are in need of an emergency orthodontist appointment. Follow instructions when it comes to allowable foods and you'll be glad you did.
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