Braces require a learning curve that may take some time to adjust, but don’t worry! Our team at Luv Braces has put together this short guide to help you understand the dos and don’ts of caring for your braces. Read on to learn more about the importance of an oral care routine, avoiding unsafe foods, preparing for emergencies, and much more!
DO Maintain an Oral Care Routine
Brushing
Brushing your teeth is one of the most effective methods of keeping them healthy. Dr. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour recommend doing so twice daily to protect your teeth from common complications, such as bacteria and excessive plaque. We also suggest keeping a toothbrush handy to quickly clean your teeth after meals. This will ensure you get rid of any small food particles left behind after eating; leaving them for too long can quickly lead to tooth decay.
Using suggested orthodontic tools, such as a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, will ensure your teeth stay protected throughout treatment. The abrasiveness from adequately brushing your teeth may split apart the bristles and cause you to replace them more often than not. Check on it before each brush, and keep an extra handy so you can be sure to clean effectively each day.
Flossing
We recommend flossing at least once daily to rid your mouth of the bacteria and plaque buildup a toothbrush cannot reach. With wires in the way of each tooth, flossing will require a few extra steps to do so correctly. Luv Braces will provide you with special floss threaders to use during your routine.
All you need to do is thread a piece of string through the thin plastic tool and weave it between your teeth below the wire. This will help the floss slide easily without snagging on your appliance and eliminate any built-up plaque that your toothbrush is unable to reach by itself. Brushing and flossing your teeth may seem simple, but maintaining your routine significantly promotes long-term health and ensures your braces stay in excellent condition.
DON’T Eat Unsafe Foods For Your Braces
Remember to be conscious of your food choices upon starting orthodontic treatment. Eating the wrong food can result in an emergency appointment and prolong your treatment plan. Additionally, crooked teeth allow for more places for small food particles to hide and fester. Our team will be able to point out specific areas of your teeth to make a point to clean if they are likely to trap leftovers in hidden places.
Foods to Avoid
Anything too crunchy, sticky, or tough is strictly off-limits while wearing braces to prevent emergencies and developing future complications. Crunchy vegetables, bagels, pizza crust, popcorn, nuts, and gummies must remain in your cabinets. Small pieces of these foods can stick to your appliance and give you trouble down the line.
Safe Foods
Eggs, pasta, soft veggies, well-cooked meat, and similar foods are great for providing your body with the nutrition it needs and ensuring your teeth stay healthy. We recommend anything easy to chew, such as softer foods that do not place excessive pressure on your appliance. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious options, so don’t worry about options!
DO Prepare for the Unexpected
While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, our team believes preparing our patients for the unexpected is essential. Common emergencies include a broken bracket, toothaches, and loose wires. Soon after applying your braces, Dr. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour will cover simple at-home remedies you can rely on to fix the issue temporarily and provide you with resources, such as orthodontic wax and over-the-counter pain medication, to combat discomfort.
Should you experience an emergency or something you are unsure how to handle, your first step is to remain calm. Please don’t hesitate to call our office so we can do what we can to assist you and schedule an emergency appointment if necessary. You can rely on our team to know how to help and get you back on track in your smile journey.
DON’T Miss Your Follow-Up Appointments
During your check-up appointments, Dr. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour monitor your teeth movement and decide whether an adjustment to your treatment plan is necessary. If too much time passes after your next appointment, you risk your teeth moving in the wrong direction, which will take longer to set them back on the right path. Check-ins are scheduled every four to six weeks, with increasing time in between, making it a priority for you to attend.
Our team understands that sometimes things out of your control prevent you from attending your appointment. One missed date is not the end of the world. Please give us a call as soon as you are able so we can help you find the next best available date. Luv Braces strives to remain flexible to accommodate your schedule.
DO Drink Lots of Water
Did you know one of the most effective ways to clean your teeth naturally is simply drinking water? Like toothpaste, water contains a mineral called fluoride, which cleanses your teeth of bacteria, stains, and plaque. Drinking it throughout the day dilutes the acids that form in your mouth from eating sugary foods, even preventing cavities.
Keeping a bottle or cup with you will strengthen your teeth and allow them to continue functioning as needed. You can build your protection with multiple fluoride products.
Keep Your Braces Safe!
If you ever have questions regarding your braces and how to keep them in excellent condition, Dr. Tahbaz, Dr. Rezapour, and our expert team are always happy to help you and make your braces experience as comfortable as possible. Luv Braces provides free orthodontic consultations to help you learn more about your oral health and how we can help you improve it. Schedule yours today at our practices in Bee Cave and Austin. We can’t wait to meet you!