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Do’s and Don’ts after Getting Braces

Posted on February 25, 2023

Do's and Don'ts after Getting Braces

Being conscious of your oral hygiene after getting braces can help you prevent and treat any number of problems. Some of these are serious, while others can be easy to overlook. So sit down, have a cup of coffee (or tea!), and relax while I show you some do’s and don’ts that are essential to remember when getting braces.

Check your braces regularly

After getting braces, it is important to take care of them. It is also important to check your braces regularly. The following are some do’s and don’ts when checking your braces:

Do: -Check the tightness of the bands. If you find that they are loose or not fitting well, this may indicate that they need to be adjusted. -Check if there are any signs of chipping or cracking on your brackets. This will help you know whether or not it’s time for an adjustment. -Check if there is any evidence of irritation or infection in the area around your brackets. If there is any redness or swelling around them, then you should get them checked out by an orthodontist as soon as possible!

Don’t: -Do not forget about routine check-ups! It is important for you to make sure that everything is working properly with your braces so that they do not cause any further damage or discomfort when worn for long periods of time (such as 2+ years).

You should learn to floss and brush well after getting braces.

Because you have braces, you should try to remember to floss and brush your teeth every day. If you don’t, you could end up having a cavity or worse: tooth decay. Brushing is important because it removes plaque and bacteria from between your teeth. Flossing gets rid of food particles that are stuck in between your teeth. You can use an interdental cleaner or a string with a toothpick on the end to reach places where a toothbrush could not reach.

Wear a retainer while eating

Wear your retainer while eating. You can eat anything you want, but the thing you need to keep in mind is that your teeth are moving. They will get stuck on things and you will have to remove them before you can continue eating. -eat with a fork and knife if possible, because this will help to keep your braces from getting caught on the utensils. -avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar or starch (bread, pasta, potatoes) because these foods can cause your braces to shift when chewing.

After getting braces, your orthodontist will check your bite

Your orthodontist will check your bite, your teeth, and the bite every 6 months to a year. You should always have a professional check the condition of your teeth after you get braces. Your orthodontist will brush them thoroughly with a soft toothbrush and then examine them closely under magnification. This is called an oral exam, which is done to make sure that you don’t have any problems with gum disease or cavities that could result in tooth decay later on down the road. If any problems are found during this exam, they will be treated immediately so that you don’t end up with bigger problems down the road.

Conclusion

If you see braces for the first time, you might be understandably nervous about them. Many parents will have all sorts of questions—such as “How long does it take to get used to them,” and “Do they hurt”? Of course, you might also be wondering about one very important question: “Can I really see out of them?” Now, we know that no one’s expecting answers to their questions right now, but hopefully, this article can at least serve as a basic guide to making your braces journey as comfortable as possible. Coming up with the materials required day-to-day has already been covered in previous articles, but our Do’s after Getting Braces section will give more detailed information on what you can do post-braces, and what you should avoid doing.

Some FAQs

What do I need to get braces?

You’ll need a dentist who knows about braces. Ask for a referral from your primary care physician or the dentist who does your regular cleanings, and check with your insurance company about how much it will cover.

How long will my braces last?

Braces can last anywhere from two months to a year, depending on your needs and how well you take care of them. They will grow with you as you lose weight and gain new teeth!

Are there any side effects of getting braces?

Yes, there are some minor side effects of getting braces that may include: sensitivity in the gums around your mouth; irritation at the brackets (the metal pieces that hold the wires); soreness in the back of your mouth (where it touches); and possibly a bit of swelling around your mouth where the brackets are attached to your teeth. All these symptoms should go away after time.