Aren’t sure how to care for ? You’ve come to the right place! Our orthodontist in Ann Arbor, MI, has plenty of tips to help you maintain a healthy smile during treatment. That way, you’ll be able to set yourself up for success while wearing metal braces.
Here’s what Dr. Bedi recommends.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
One of the most important aspects of caring for traditional metal braces is maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
Here are some tips:
Brushing: Brush your teeth after every meal and snack. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle the toothbrush gently to clean around the wires and brackets. Pay extra attention to the areas between the brackets and your teeth.
Flossing: Flossing can be a bit challenging with braces, but it’s essential. Use a floss threader to get between the wires and teeth. Consider investing in a water flosser to make the process easier.
Mouthwash: An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and plaque buildup. Rinse according to your dentist’s recommendations.
Be Mindful of the Foods You Eat
To care for your metal orthodontic braces, be mindful of the foods you eat. Certain foods can damage your braces or get stuck, making it harder to keep your teeth clean.
Avoid:
Sticky and Chewy Foods: Foods like caramel, gum, and taffy can pull on your braces and damage them.
Hard Foods: Crunchy foods like ice, popcorn, and hard candies can break your brackets or wires.
Acidic Foods and Beverages: Citrus fruits and sodas can erode the enamel around your braces, leading to cavities.
Cut Food into Smaller Pieces: If you enjoy fruits and vegetables, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces to reduce the risk of damaging your metal dental braces.
Schedule Routine Orthodontic Visits
Regular visits to our orthodontist are vital to ensuring your braces are functioning correctly. These appointments are an opportunity for adjustments, checking for any issues, and tracking your progress. Make sure to attend all scheduled appointments and communicate any concerns or discomfort you may be experiencing.
Manage Any Discomfort at Home
It’s common to experience some discomfort or soreness when you first get your or after adjustments.
To manage this:
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen can help alleviate discomfort. Always follow the recommended dosage.
Orthodontic Wax: Our orthodontist can provide you with wax that you can apply to sharp or irritating brackets or wires to prevent them from causing sores.
Wear a Sports Mouth Guard
Do you play a contact sport, such as football or hockey? If so, it’s important that you protect your smile during every practice and game. During orthodontic treatment, we recommend that you wear a custom sports mouth guard that’s designed to safely fit over your dental braces. That way, you’ll be able to dramatically reduce your risk of damaging your teeth and braces.
Book a Consultation for Metal Braces
Dr. Jashleen Bedi is a skilled and experienced orthodontist in Ann Arbor, MI. To request a consultation and learn more about metal braces, please call Enhance Orthodontics at (734) 821-7684. You may also fill out our online contact form an class=”hide-link” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer”d someone from our team will reach out to you soon.