Putting on braces during your teens can be very overwhelming and challenging for some teens. So, it will be beneficial for you to learn how you can prepare yourself to get braces by understanding the right tips on getting the most out of your braces.
How Can You Prepare Yourself for Braces?
It will be better for you to prepare yourself mentally and physically for braces, as that will help you speed up your orthodontics in reading treatment. You can get the know-how of this procedure if you go through the tips below:
Educate Yourself
It is better to do a little research and understand the braces treatment procedure before going for it. You should learn about different braces, how they work, and what you can expect during the braces treatment.
Plan for Your Dental Appointments
Braces require periodic adjustments, and these appointments can take time. If you reside in Chula Vista, it is advisable to get in touch with several dental clinics to find the perfect pediatric dentist in Chula Vista to plan your regular appointments. If you reside in Sydney, you can check the orthodontist sydney list. It is vital to schedule the treatment sessions aptly and be prepared to attend regular orthodontic appointments for adjustments and check-ups.
Prepare Yourself Mentally
Braces may initially feel strange or uncomfortable during the initial stages, so it will be better if you are mentally prepared for these sensations and remember that they are temporary and part of the process of achieving a beautiful, straight smile.
How to Follow a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine with Braces?
Taking care of your oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces to prevent issues like plaque buildup, gum problems, etc. It eventually helps in avoiding any extensions during the duration of your dental procedures. The tips below will help you maintain oral hygiene better.
Use Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes, also known as proxy brushes or interproximal brushes, are small brushes specifically designed to clean between the braces and wires. They can effectively remove food debris and plaque from hard-to-reach areas, such as around brackets and underwires, where traditional brushing and flossing may not be sufficient.
Consider Using a Water Flosser
A water flosser is better for teens with braces as it uses a stream of water to clean between your teeth and around your braces. It can help flush out food particles and bacteria from the braces and gum line, providing an additional level of oral hygiene. Consult your orthodontist to see if a water flosser suits you and how to use it correctly.
Rinse with Antimicrobial Mouthwash
You must rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash, as it helps in killing bacteria and freshens your breath. You must get a mouthwash that is suitable for braces, so try consulting your orthodontist in this regard.
Tips on Utilizing Your Braces Fully as a Teen
Once you have the braces on, you have to make certain alterations to your daily routine to ensure you get through this process well.
Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions
Your orthodontic treatment’s success is determined by how you follow your orthodontist’s instructions. The orthodontist is the expert who knows what’s best for your teeth, so listening and adhering to their advice is essential. This includes wearing your braces for the recommended amount of time each day, cleaning your braces and teeth as instructed, and attending all scheduled appointments for adjustments. You should also ensure that you maintain good communication with them and tell them if you feel any discomfort.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is critical for teens with braces, as braces create more nooks and crannies in your mouth where food particles can get trapped, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay. The previous section discussed the oral hygiene procedure to help you attain this.
Protect Your Braces While Playing Sports
If you participate in sports, protecting your braces is crucial to avoid injuries. You can use a mouthguard or a specialized orthodontic mouthguard to shield your braces and teeth from any impact. It’s also important to avoid habits like nail-biting, pen-chewing, or opening packages with your teeth, as these can damage your braces.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
While you have braces, it’s essential to be mindful of the foods you eat to prevent damage to your braces and avoid unnecessary discomfort. Foods that are sticky, chewy, or hard can damage your braces and extend your treatment’s duration. Therefore, foods like popcorn, chewing gum, nuts, and candies should be avoided. Instead, focus on eating soft, healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, yogurt, and lean meats.
Wear Elastics or Headgear as Prescribed
Lastly, your orthodontist may prescribe additional orthodontic appliances, such as elastics or headgear, to help correct your bite or align your teeth properly. It’s essential to wear these appliances as prescribed by your orthodontist to achieve the desired results. Make sure to follow the instructions on how to wear and care for these appliances properly and notify your orthodontist if you experience any discomfort or issues.
Conclusion
To conclude, all the tips mentioned above have provided a holistic walk-through of how to make your braces treatment smoother and easier. So, follow the tips above to go about this process successfully.