Getting braces is a big commitment. Whether you made the decision because of a crossbite or overbite, or because you want to help improve your speech, or because you want the confidence that a straighter smile brings – making small adjustments during your day will help improve your chances of successful results that last. At Premier Dental Center – San Antonio at Nacogdoches (just inside the north loop), we understand that the reasons behind orthodontic treatment can vary, but so do the options! Let us partner with you to make your journey successful, and in the meantime, here is a best practice guide to help prepare you.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing Braces
You may have a general understanding of the best practices for wearing braces, but some may not be so straightforward. It is important to know that wearing braces may mean giving up your favorite snacks or drinks, but understand that it will all be worth it in the end.
The DOs of Braces:
- DO brush your teeth after every meal (at least 20 minutes after) and floss daily. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush at an angle will ensure that you reach every area under your brackets and wires. Flossing when you have braces gets a little tricky, so if you can, use a water flosser to make it easier.
- DO follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Every person’s treatment is unique, and your orthodontist will have special instructions just for you. Take everything they say very seriously to make sure you get the best results from your braces.
- DO call your orthodontist right away if your brackets or wires break or get damaged. Believe it or not, but broken braces are a dental emergency! A snapped wire or popped bracket can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums and will need to be repaired right away.
- DO eat smaller bites and consume soft foods like yogurt, soup, and scrambled eggs.
The DON’Ts of Braces:
- DON’T pull up on your dental floss when it’s underneath a wire. Not only will this be painful, but this could ruin the treatment if not fixed. If there’s something caught in your braces that you can’t remove, it’s best to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning.
- DON’T eat hard, sticky, or fibrous foods. Avoid any foods that might get caught in your braces or break them. Nuts, caramel, popcorn, celery, beef jerky, spinach—anything that’s difficult to chew or easily trapped in your teeth is a “don’t” while you have braces.
- DON’T chew on your fingernails, ice cubes, or objects like pens. Chewing on hard objects could make you break your braces or even a tooth! Chewing gum is out, too—if you need a breath freshener, try mouthwash or sugar-free mints instead.
Trust Your Dentist
Your dentist is the first step in determining if you should get braces. If you are considering traditional braces, the dentists at Premier Dental Center San Antonio at Naco can help you make the choice that is right for you. We partner with the best orthodontists in the San Antonio area – so you will be in good hands! f you’re ready to straighten your teeth with Invisalign or braces, contact us today to schedule a consultation.