Life With Braces – Allen, TX
What to Anticipate During Your Orthodontic Process
Are you or your family member getting ready for orthodontic treatment? While knowing exactly what to expect throughout the process isn’t always simple, our team at Allen Orthodontics wants you to feel comfortable and well-informed during your experience with braces. Fortunately, you won’t have to figure everything out on your own while undergoing your treatment. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have about your orthodontic process and can walk you step-by-step as you get closer to achieving a straighter smile! Read on or give us a call to learn more about life with braces.
How Do I Care for My Braces?
One of the most essential practices during your orthodontic treatment is to brush, floss, and rinse your mouth every day. Neglecting to do this can significantly increase your risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, or other serious oral health issues, which can end up interfering with your treatment timeline. To prevent any complications, you’ll want to implement the following measures:
- Brush your teeth after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes can make this process simpler.
- Ensure all surfaces of your teeth (front, back, and chewing surfaces) are thoroughly cleaned, using circular motions around your gum line and brackets.
- Make sure to floss between your teeth once a day or after every meal to get rid of debris, food particles, and any harmful bacteria in your smile. This can be done using normal dental floss, floss picks, or even a water irrigator.
- Use an interdental brush to easily clean between your brackets and underneath your metal wires.
What Foods Should I Avoid?
During your time with braces, you’ll likely have to avoid certain meals to prevent accidentally damaging your brackets and delaying your progress. Several foods you’ll want to stay away from until after your treatment is complete include:
- Hard or sticky treats (such as chewing gum, caramel, and Jolly Ranchers).
- Popcorn kernels or sunflower seeds, as the particles can end up getting stuck between your braces and teeth.
- Hard bread (like bagels or rolls).
- Ice cubes.
- Hard veggies and fruits (such as carrots and apples) that aren’t cut up into smaller pieces.
What Happens After Braces?
Once you’ve finished undergoing the orthodontic process, it likely won’t be the end of your treatment. Even when you’re finally without your braces and can show off your beautifully straightened smile, you may need to spend time wearing a retainer. This oral appliance is designed to maintain your new alignment, as your teeth can begin to shift and revert to their original positions if left alone. Until your pearly whites have fused with the alveolar bone and tissues, you’ll wear your retainer for a certain amount of time until your orthodontist says otherwise!
How to Take Care of My Retainer
After switching from braces to a retainer, you’ll want to take proper care of your new oral appliance to keep them from getting damaged. While our team will give you specific guidelines on how to care for your retainer, here are a few tips you should follow:
- Keep your retainer in a protective case when you aren’t wearing it.
- Rinse your retainer every time you take it out or put it back in.
- Brush your retainer right after cleaning your teeth to prevent plaque buildup.
- Soak your retainer in a half mouthwash/half water mixture or a denture cleaner to prevent it from developing an odor.