Preparing for Braces – Cleburne, TX
Receiving Your New Orthodontic Fixtures
Whether it is you or your child preparing to have braces put on, it’s important that you take the right steps to get ready for the big day. From the color of your elastics and wires to opting for a more subtle and discreet method of orthodontics, your personalized treatment plan will explain all you need to know about what you can expect from the process. But once you arrive at home with your new fixtures, you’ll need to make sure you have the knowledge and tools to ensure your treatment is a success. At Hart Orthodontics, your orthodontist, Dr. Hart, will go over all the important details for you to know. If you’re ready to get started, contact an “orthodontist near me” today!
Which Foods to Eat
It’s no secret that wearing braces can often cause some discomfort, especially in the days following their placement. Choosing the right foods to eat will help to minimize additional pressure placed on your brackets and wires, leaving to feel less pain. Some of the best foods to eat while wearing braces include:
- Yogurt
- Soup
- Jello
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Soft Cheeses
Which Foods to Avoid
While it may be tempting to bite down into a nice juice apple, this can cause serious problems if you accidentally pop off a bracket or cause a wire to become damaged. To avoid this type of pitfall while wearing braces, make sure to avoid these particular food items:
- Hard candies or foods (i.e. whole apples, Jolly Ranchers)
- Ice
- Sticky foods (i.e. gum, caramel)
You’ll also want to avoid chewing on your nails, pens, or pencils, as these can not only damage your braces but also wear down your tooth enamel.
Effective Oral Health Tools to Use
Making sure you have a good toothbrush and toothpaste is important whether you are wearing braces or not, but in order to navigate and maneuver around your brackets and wires and effectively remove bad bacteria from between your teeth, you might try investing in a Waterpik. These unique devices use pulsating water to “floss” in these hard-to-reach areas. Because dental floss can be difficult to thread underneath wires and in-between teeth, a Waterpik is a safe and effective solution that will keep your gums healthy.
Ways to Improve Your Dental Hygiene Routine
If you’re not already using mouthwash as part of your oral hygiene routine, you will want to start now. With braces, you never know if you’re really getting rid of everything harmful in your mouth. However, by rinsing with a cavity-cleaning mouthwash, your teeth, gums, and oral cavity can be thoroughly cleaned in no time.
Mouthwash will help keep your gums better protected against disease and keep cavities from forming in your tooth enamel. It also helps to dislodge food and freshen your breath!
Inquire About Orthodontic Wax
Once your braces are put on, you may find that the protruding metal rubs against your soft oral tissues. Your cheeks, gums, tongue, or lips can become victim to this irritation but fortunately, your orthodontist can provide orthodontic wax. By applying a small portion to your rough edges, wires, or brackets, you will feel more relief because of this protective barrier between your braces and soft tissues.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
The most important aspect of preparing for braces is to maintain a positive attitude. No matter what type of orthodontic treatment you’re receiving, it is always best to keep yourself focused on the results that lie ahead. Once your teeth are straightened and your bite is realigned, you will have a smile that is healthy, happy, and beautiful. As the old saying goes, “Nothing worth doing is easy,” so do your best to embrace the process and keep your eyes on the prize!