Soon, either you or your child will start orthodontic treatment. While you may not be looking forward to it, know that straightening your teeth no longer means years of metal in your mouth. Modern orthodontic care means less time with braces—and some treatments, including Invisalign, are actually made from invisible plastic! Before you sit in your orthodontist’s chair, however, you should know how to take care of your smile during treatment.
If you’re about to get braces, there are several things you should do first to make the experience easier and more comfortable.
Wearing adult braces can make it difficult to keep your teeth clean because parts of your teeth will be covered. A soft-bristled toothbrush will help gently clean, and floss will dislodge the food that gets stuck between your teeth or in your braces. Be sure to have a toothbrush and floss for work or school, too.
Dental wax will help during the first few weeks your braces are on. The metal rubbing against the inside of your mouth or gums can often cause some sensitivity. Dental wax is used to cover the metal that is irritating the inside of your mouth.
Wearing braces means that you may have to make some adjustments to your diet. First, try to avoid too much sugary food, since it’s more difficult to keep your teeth clean, as we’ve mentioned above. Avoid these kinds of food that can damage your braces and require more trips to your orthodontist: hard food like candy and nuts; sticky food like bagels, taffy, and gum; crunchy food like popcorn; and foods that you bite into, such as apples and carrots.
Your orthodontist will not be cleaning your teeth as you receive care, so be sure to continue your regular dental care with your dentist every six months. Your dentist will be able to clean plaque and tartar that may be forming.
Invisalign is different from traditional metal braces because it’s removable, nearly invisible, and completely customized.
Even though you take out Invisalign aligners to clean your teeth, you must still brush and floss regularly. It’s still very important to take care of your dental health while receiving orthodontic care—and for the rest of your life!
If your orthodontist doesn’t provide you with multiple cases, buy a few to keep at school, your office, and next to your sink. Your aligners should also be protected when you’re eating or flossing.
If you have any questions about your dental care while wearing braces or Invisalign, be sure to ask your orthodontist. If you are looking for complete orthodontic care in the Pittsburgh or North Hills area, call King Orthodontics today. We have two convenient locations to serve you.
