Many advances have been made in orthodontics that make braces more comfortable to wear than ever before. However, it may be safe to say that anyone who has braces would rather see the end result of straighter teeth sooner rather than later. In our latest blog, we look at the steps you can take to help get your braces off faster.
The Importance of Rubber Bands
Rubber bands are a common addition to braces treatment plans. Attached to small hooks on select brackets, rubber bands for braces can be essential to straightening teeth that need a light extra force compared to others. These rubber bands help your teeth to properly align all at the same speed for optimal straightening. If you want your teeth to straighten out as quickly as possible with braces, it’s important to wear your rubber bands every single day. Taking them out to play with, forgetting to put them back in after taking them out for eating or simply getting lazy about daily wear can all slow down the time you need to wear your braces.
Foods to Avoid
You may think it harmless to occasionally indulge in a sticky or hard treat, but even a seemingly innocent choice with the wrong foods can potentially cause much longer-term damage and complications with your braces treatment. Chewing hard items like candy, ice or even non-food items can bend or seriously damage your brackets and wires. When it comes to other solid foods that are safer to eat, it’s still important to cut them into smaller pieces—especially for raw fruits and veggies. Sodas and carbonated drinks are also wise to avoid, as the stickiness can also interfere with your dental care.
Important foods to avoid include:
- Hard candy
- Chewy candy
- Gum
- Ice
- Chips
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Cookies
- Soda
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is always important, but it is even more so with dental braces. Keeping your teeth clean with daily brushing and flossing will help your teeth straighten out with greater ease. Gum disease or tooth decay caused by poor oral hygiene can prolong the time needed to wear your braces. Because keeping up a thorough oral care routine can be tricky at times, consider using an electric toothbrush as just one tool to ease the process.
After the Braces Are Removed
Congratulations—you finally got through the process of having braces! However, the work isn’t quite finished. Your mouth will require special oral care for the rest of your life in order to maintain your straight teeth and confident smile. After your orthodontist removes your braces, you will be fitted with an oral retainer that you will need to wear every night while you sleep. It may sound bothersome, but your teeth will naturally shift and undo the work of braces without a retainer. Stay consistent in wearing your retainer every night, and in no time you will barely even notice it. Slacking on putting in your retainer before bedtime could potentially lead to needing braces again!
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits after having your braces removed will also ensure your mouth stays clean and healthy for many years to come. Thanks to wearing braces, you may have already kicked some bad habits, such as chewing ice or consuming lots of sugary items. Remember to keep up the good work of regularly brushing and flossing, as well as avoiding bad habits and foods. A healthy mouth is a happy mouth, after all!
Central Florida’s Top Choice for Braces
If you or your child need braces, consider Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics for treatment! From braces for children to braces for teens, our highly experienced staff members have the knowledge, resources and compassion to bring success for every patient. Contact us today to schedule your braces consultation appointment.