How to Take Care of Your Metal Braces

Straightening your teeth is an excellent way to get your beautiful smile back. Crooked teeth can deal a huge blow to your self-image, making you shy away from social interactions. It may also tag along with other dental issues such as tooth decay, periodontitis, and halitosis.

Orthodontic treatments are no longer a reserve for teenagers and young adults, with one in every five patients being over the age of eighteen. The brackets and wires on metal braces gradually push the teeth to their correct position. However, you may not get to enjoy the benefits of having straight teeth if you do not look after your aligners. Here are top tips for looking after your brackets and wires.

1. Brush and Floss Regularly

You need to maintain good dental hygiene, with or without metal braces. However, your orthodontist will inform you that you ought to be extra-vigilant when you have braces. Poor oral hygiene can cause discoloration and tooth decay as food particles stick in between the brackets and wires.

It’s recommended that you brush your teeth after every meal with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Your orthodontists can show you the right steps to avoid damaging your braces. It is advisable to floss at least once daily, threading carefully between the teeth and wires.

2. Avoid Restricted Foods

Your orthodontists may provide you with a list of food that you have to avoid during the treatment period. Hard, chewy, sticky, and crunchy foods can damage your metal braces, prolonging your treatment. Hard foods such as nuts and crunchy snacks such as chips may place excessive pressure on the brackets as you try to bite off. Chewy and sticky foods can easily lodge between teeth and the adult braces, making it hard to maintain proper oral hygiene. You can opt for softer meals such as soups, smoothies, and pasta.

3. Attend All Orthodontic Appointments

Throughout the treatment period, you have to schedule regular appointments with orthodontists. The trips to the office allow the orthodontist to inspect your teeth and ensure the realignment is going according to plan. They will also tighten your brackets and wires, ushering you to the next phase of the treatment. You can also bring broken parts of your metal braces for replacement.

4. Always Have a Mouthguard When Playing Sports

Playing sports with mouthguards over your brackets and wires may feel awkward at first, but they are necessary. The mouthguards help protect the metal braces from cracking, especially in contact sports. Wearing the guards also prevents injuries to your gums, teeth, and cheeks. You can request your orthodontist for a custom set that will perfectly fit in your mouth.

5. Have a Fluoride Mouthwash

As stated earlier, it’s vital to brush your teeth after every meal. In circumstances where you are unable to floss or brush, rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash. A simple swirl around your mouth can flush out food particles and bacteria that could otherwise cause tooth decay.

Metal braces can bring back the joy of having a stunning smile. You ought to protect the brackets and wires to achieve the best outcome. If you are still unsure of how to care for your braces, reach out to Imagine Braces.