Braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to correct misaligned teeth. They can be a bit of an adjustment at first, but with a little preparation and some patience, you’ll be able to adjust to life with braces in no time. Here are a few tips to help make the transition easier:
How to prepare for braces
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If you’re getting braces, the first thing you need to do is schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. During this appointment, they will take x-rays and impressions of your teeth in order to create a treatment plan. Once you’ve been given the green light to proceed with braces, there are a few things you can do to prepare for them:
– Choose the right type of braces. There are many different types of braces available, so it’s important to do your research and pick the right ones for your needs. If you’re not sure what type of braces to get, ask your orthodontist for their recommendation.
– Schedule an appointment with your dentist. Getting braces put on can be a bit of a process, so you’ll want to make sure your teeth are in tip-top shape before they go on. schedule a cleaning and check-up with your dentist so they can give you the all clear to proceed.
– Stock up on supplies. Once you have braces, there are certain things you’ll need to make sure you have on hand, like floss threaders and interdental brushes. Talk to your orthodontist about what supplies they recommend and stock up before your braces go on.
How to take care of your braces
Taking care of your braces is important in order to avoid any complications during treatment. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your braces:
– Brush and floss regularly. It’s important to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, especially if you have braces. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by your orthodontist.
– Avoid hard and sticky foods. Foods like candy, gum, and popcorn can be hard on your braces and should be avoided. If you do eat these types of foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards.
– Watch out for sports. If you’re active in sports, it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces. Talk to your orthodontist about getting a custom-fit mouthguard made.
– Visit your orthodontist regularly. In order to ensure your braces are working properly, it’s important to visit your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks. During these appointments, they will make any necessary adjustments and answer any questions you may have.
How to deal with the pain
Wearing braces can cause some discomfort, but there are a few things you can do to help ease the pain:
– Take over-the-counter pain medication. If your braces are causing you pain, take some ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain medication.
– Use a cold compress. If your mouth is sore, try using a cold compress to help ease the pain.
– Avoid hard and sticky foods. As mentioned before, hard and sticky foods can be tough on your braces. If you do eat these types of foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards.
– Be patient. It can take some time to get used to wearing braces. The pain will eventually go away as you adjust to having them.
How to manage your lifestyle with braces
Braces can take some getting used to, but there are ways you can manage your lifestyle with them:
– Wear comfortable shoes. Wearing shoes that are too tight can put pressure on your braces and cause pain. Stick to wearing comfortable shoes that won’t rub against your braces.
– Be careful with your clothing. Avoid clothing with strings or other things that can get caught in your braces. If you do get something caught, be sure to carefully remove it so you don’t damage your braces.
– Practice good oral hygiene. As mentioned before, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. You may also want to use an oral irrigator to help keep your mouth clean.
– Be careful with your belongings. Avoid putting things in your mouth like pens or pencils as this can damage your braces. Be careful with your belongings and don’t put them in your mouth unless you’re sure they won’t damage your braces.
Foods to avoid while wearing braces
There are certain foods that you should avoid while wearing braces:
– Hard foods: Hard foods can damage your braces and should be avoided. Examples of hard foods include nuts, candy, and ice.
– Sticky foods: Sticky foods can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to remove. Examples of sticky foods include gum, candy, and fruit roll-ups.
– Crunchy foods: Crunchy foods can also damage your braces. Examples of crunchy foods include popcorn, chips, and pretzels.
– Pizza: Pizza should be avoided as the sauce can damage your braces.
How to clean your braces
It’s important to keep your braces clean in order to avoid any complications during treatment. Here are a few tips on how to keep your braces clean:
– Brush and floss regularly. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by your orthodontist.
– Rinse with water after eating. After you eat, rinse your mouth with water to remove any food particles that may be stuck in your braces.
– Avoid hard and sticky foods. As mentioned before, hard and sticky foods can damage your braces and should be avoided. If you do eat these types of foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards.
– Use an oral irrigator. An oral irrigator can help remove plaque and bacteria from your braces. Be sure to use an oral irrigator as recommended by your orthodontist.
