Are you a first-time brace wearer? As you get your braces for the first time, it is natural to be conscious of them. We would be anxious to ensure that they aren’t harmed, kept cleaned, and moreover tackle the challenge of blending them as a part of our lives.
As much as it is important to ensure the longevity of braces it is equally important to keep them clean. As this vital part will go a long way to the final results of the treatment.
Many patients have several concerns about their dental appliances. We have consolidated a few concerns and interesting tips to take care of them.
Will I have to change my diet as I get braces?
Don’t be discouraged because of those braces. We understand that it is difficult to give up on your favorite food during the orthodontic treatment. But realize that it is an essential step to eat a soft diet food to avoid damage to the braces. Some food such as hard meat, bread, bubblegum can stick on the brackets or within the bracket and wire being too hard to pull it out.
What food must we avoid?
Avoid food that will be sticky, hard to bite and chew such:
Nuts
Crusts, hard rolls
Chips, Doritos, Tacos, Popcorn.
Apples, Raw carrots, Corn
Candy, gums, jelly beans, caramel.
Bagels and Granola bars.
What food can we eat?
Brace wearers can have the luxury of eating a healthy set of food that won’t harm their braces such as:
Soft and easy to consume fruits such as bananas, mangoes, applesauce.
Vegetables such as mashed potatoes, boiled spinach, and beans.
Cooked meat that is soft enough to eat.
Dairy products such as pudding and cheese.
Noodles and pasta.
Milkshakes and smoothies.
What type of Dental toothbrush and toothpaste can I use?
Proper oral hygiene is essential when it comes to taking care of braces. Regular brushing and flossing are vital to keeping your braces clean. We recommend using a soft-bristle or bi-level brush and fluoride toothpaste.
The longer bristles on either edge of a bi-level brush can effectively remove dirt from the teeth and the braces.
Using Fluoride toothpaste are recommended by dentists. Patients must ensure to clean their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes by using them.
Here are a few tips on how to clean your teeth while having braces on:
Circular Motion: Circular motion is best advised as it helps to remove the maximum amount of dirt. Remove dirt by gently brushing against the teeth.
Inclined motion: Brushing by tilting the brush against the gum line would help to remove dirt between the brace and gum.
How do I deal with loose wires brackets and bands?
It is common for brace wearers to encounter with situations when the wires and elastic bands may come off loose. We can easily tackle these problems by using these simple tips:
If a wire seems to be sticking out, it may result in irritation of the gums and surrounding tissues of the mouth. In such situations, use a soft yet smooth object and get it out of the way.
If a bracket comes off loose you may see your dentist in order to get it back on.
If any of these appliances are causing soreness, try using a wet cotton ball and place it over it. It will calm down the soreness in minutes.
Will I have to cut down other activities?
We are happy to let our patients know that they will not have to cut down on their day-to-day activities while wearing braces. Patients can, however, wear a mouth guard to ensure that they are on the safe side, Mouth guards can act as a shield for the braces while sports and other activities.