Braces can transform your smile! However, breaking wires or brackets can be frustrating and can delay your treatment. It’s essential to follow proper care guidelines to maintain your braces and ensure a smooth orthodontic journey. Follow these tips to keep your braces in top shape and avoid unnecessary trips to the orthodontist.
Watch What You Eat
Certain foods can damage your braces. Avoid these foods to prevent breakage:
- Hard candies
- Sticky candies like taffy and caramel
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Hard fruits and vegetables (unless cut into small pieces)
- Chewy foods like bagels and licorice
- Crunchy snacks like chips and pretzels
Opt for braces-friendly snacks like yogurt, cheese, and soft fruits. Soft foods are less likely to cause damage and are easier to chew. Cut up harder foods into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This will make them easier to chew and less likely to damage your braces. For example, instead of biting into an apple, cut it into thin slices. This simple step can prevent a lot of potential damage.
Chew Carefully
Chewing can put pressure on your braces. Chew slowly and gently. Avoid biting into foods with your front teeth. Instead, use your back teeth to break down food. This reduces the risk of breaking wires or brackets. Be especially cautious with tougher meats or crusty bread. When eating sandwiches or burgers, cut them into smaller pieces to make them easier to handle. Always be mindful of how you chew to prevent undue stress on your braces.
Wear a Mouthguard
If you play sports, wear a mouthguard. A mouthguard protects your braces from impact. It also keeps your lips and cheeks safe from cuts and bruises. You can get a special mouthguard designed for braces from your orthodontist. These mouthguards are larger and more flexible to fit comfortably over your braces. Wearing a mouthguard can prevent serious injuries and save you from emergency orthodontic visits. Even if you’re not playing contact sports, consider wearing a mouthguard during activities where you might fall or get hit in the face.
Keep Up with Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is key. Brush your teeth after every meal. This prevents food from getting stuck in your braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle your toothbrush to clean around brackets and wires. Floss daily with a floss threader or water flosser. These tools help you clean your teeth and around your braces. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to remove any remaining food particles and reduce plaque buildup. Regular dental check-ups are also important. Your dentist can spot potential issues before they become serious problems.
Avoid Bad Habits
Certain habits can damage your braces. Some habits can cause wires to bend or brackets to break. Stay mindful and avoid putting non-food items in your mouth. If you find yourself reverting to these habits, consider using stress-relief techniques or keeping your hands busy with a stress ball or fidget spinner. Breaking these habits will protect your braces and improve your overall oral health.
Handle Emergencies
Sometimes, accidents happen. If a wire or bracket breaks, don’t panic. Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges. This will protect your mouth from cuts and irritation. You can find orthodontic wax at most drugstores or get some from your orthodontist. If a wire is poking you and causing discomfort, use a clean pair of nail clippers to trim the wire carefully. Contact your orthodontist as soon as possible for a repair. They will provide specific instructions on what to do until you can get an appointment. Remember, timely repairs are crucial to keep your treatment on track.