Getting braces can be a pretty exciting event in a person’s life, and for good reason. After all, by embarking on a life with braces, you’re basically saying that you’re no longer content with the status quo of your teeth. You want to make your teeth and your smile turn out better, and you’re taking a concrete, orthodontic step aimed at doing just that. It’s not a short term fix, and it will require some time before the final, better outcome is reached. When you start your journey with orthodontic treatment, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals!

 

Some changes are going to have to take place, as you transition to a life with braces. Some of these will be quite important so take note of them. First of all, you’re going to have to be more careful about what you eat or chew. For instance, you’ll need to ask yourself if the thing you’re about to chew or eat could get stuck in your braces, or on the brackets on your teeth, in a way that would be very difficult to remove. Two main culprits here are chewy candies like caramels or bubble gum. If you used to have these regularly, it’s going to be time to stop for now, at least while your braces are still on.

braces

You’ll also have to consider if something you eat could potentially result in a bracket coming loose or coming off. These are usually hard kinds of food, such as nuts, meat on the bone (you might accidentally bite into the bone), hard candies, and so on. Other foods, such as apples, carrots, celery, or other foods that you bite into could also loosen your brackets. It can be a real pain to have to replace or reattach a bracket that’s come off, so as much as possible, avoid food and dishes like these, and stick with food that’s softer and more forgiving.

 

Another change you will have to make will involve proper care of your braces. Because you have wires and brackets in your mouth, you need to make sure to do a thorough job of cleaning. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and care of the teeth. You don’t want your braces to become a potential breeding ground for harmful bacteria, plaque and tooth decay. Since it can be more difficult to brush your teeth with the attached appliance, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist and orthodontist about the best way to go about it. Your dentist or orthodontist will know that a life with braces has these kinds of complications, so he will be ready to give the advice you need.

Care for your braces will also extend to any sports or other activities that you do. If there’s a chance that your mouth could get hit, be sure to wear a mouth guard. This will help to ensure that your braces are less likely to get hit and dislodged, and it helps to avoid injury caused if your mouth is mashed against your teeth and braces with force. These are just some of the things you need to keep in mind as you go about your life with braces. The general rule is to do what your dentist or orthodontist advises, and be sure to go back for your regular appointments.