Our Top 3 Tips for Braces

If your orthodontist in Ohio has recommended braces, you’re probably wondering what to expect. While braces will take some getting used to, there have been many improvements on braces in the last few decades. If you follow these top tips for braces, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how awesome braces can be.

1. Rinsing is More Important Than Ever

If you’ve always believed that rinsing your mouth is optional, prepare to change your dental hygiene routine. Depending on what kind of braces you get, it may be much more difficult to remove food particles from your teeth and gums. Thoroughly rinsing your mouth may be the only way that some food particles come loose after eating. A top tip for braces is to carry a personal sized bottle of orthodontist approved mouth rinse with you so you can easily rinse at work, school and restaurants.

2. Avoid Certain Foods

To make oral hygiene easier while you’re wearing braces, you’ll want to avoid certain foods. This includes things like:

• bagels
• peanut brittle
• taffy
• caramel candy bars
• pizza
• and more

For a complete list of foods and beverages to be avoided, consult with your orthodontist in Ohio. A top tip for braces is to replace forbidden foods with other treats that taste good but won’t impair your oral hygiene.

3. Wear the Apparatus at Night

Sometimes your orthodontist may require you to wear an additional apparatus at night. This is intended to help move your teeth into the correct position. The apparatus may be hard to get used to at first. It may feel uncomfortable or make it more challenging to find a good sleep position. You may be tempted to forego wearing it, but this is a mistake. You’re sleeping for about eight hours a night, so if you skip this time, that will likely heavily extend the time that you need to wear the braces. A top tip for braces is to use extra pillows to support your head and neck so you aren’t leaning on the apparatus as you sleep.

When you get your braces off you’ll be so glad you invested the time and care to ensure the best results. Make these changes for just a short time and reap the benefits for a lifetime! To make an appointment to see an orthodontist now, please contact us.