Whether you choose old-school braces or the modern Invisalign treatment, both procedures require care. Getting traditional braces and clear aligners can help straighten your teeth and adjust any misalignments. But, you have to put some work into it to achieve the best results.
Preparing for this milestone can be overwhelming, but you can make the best out of it with the right tips and tricks. The procedure may also require some changes to your current oral care routine.
It can be beneficial to learn about the care procedures, apply them to your life, or encourage your children to follow the rules. Depending on who is getting the braces, the care process might be easy or a little challenging. Either way, the dentist in Hamilton Ontario that you visit can guide you through the process and provide individualized plans for maximum results.
Types of Adult Braces
With various options from traditional braces, ceramic braces to removable aligners, there are multiple mechanisms for straight teeth. However, since every procedure might not suit all types of teeth, it is best to speak to the dentist about your options.
Traditional Braces
These are old-fashioned yet vastly effective braces made of high-quality stainless steel or titanium. It consists of three main components – brackets, archwires, and ligatures. Each component is carefully attached to hold the braces together and improve their functionality.
Invisalign Treatment
An alternative to metal braces is clear aligners, also known as Invisalign treatment. They are orthodontic devices used to adjust teeth. Its functions are the same as traditional braces. Clear aligners have changed over the years to increase effectiveness. When you get Hamilton orthodontics services, you can figure out if this is a suitable option for you.
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1. Taking Care of Braces
Once you got the green signal from your dentist and have decided to go forward with the treatment, you will need to take care of your braces. All kinds of braces require extra attention to maintain their performance. Here are some steps you can take during the care procedure.
2. Brush Them Real Good
Much like the general brushing recommendation, you should also brush your braces twice daily, for two minutes each time. If your braces include any removable components, take those off if the dentist recommends, and get cleaning!
You should follow a proper cleaning technique so that your braces and teeth are both clean, preventing any cavities or bad breath. Use fluoride toothpaste and a gentle, soft-bristled brush to ensure that you don’t harm your teeth.
3. Don’t Skip the Floss
Your brush might not be able to reach all the cracks or gaps between your teeth. Floss can remove remaining food particles that your toothbrush couldn’t. In addition to floss, you can also use mouthwash to reach stubborn areas further and maximize cleanliness in your mouth.
4. Think Before You Bite
You don’t have to change your entire diet when you take braces, but there are certain foods you should avoid when you wear braces. The most common items on the list are chewy, sticky, or hard to bite.
In addition to the food that sticks to your braces or make it hard to chew, you should also watch your sugar and drink intake. Sugary items or certain drinks such as coffee or wine can stain your braces. Although the stains are not permanent, consistent consumption of the items can lead to difficulty removing stains. You can consider drinking these items with straws to reduce contact with your teeth or avoid them as much as possible.
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5. Don’t Open Things with Your Teeth
A lot of people tend to open bottle lids or other objects with their teeth. Although this may seem like a simple task, this can harm your braces and teeth. Don’t use your teeth to perform these activities.
If you have braces on, you might need to run to the emergency room if something goes wrong while using your teeth as a toolbox. Damaging your braces will not only cause extreme pain but will also lead to expensive treatments and may also slow down the recovery.
6. Protect Your Teeth on The Field
Whether you’re an athlete or enjoy spending time playing sports, you need to protect your mouth when you’re out and about. Your teeth are more sensitive during orthodontic treatment, and you need to be extra careful. Look for mouth guards that you can comfortably use, and make sure to wear them whenever you’re on the field. Any unexpected damages can be painful and costly, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
7. Smile into the Mirror
Don’t worry, no one’s going to judge you! Smile into the mirror with your mouth wide open to ensure that nothing is stuck between your teeth or braces. Despite all your cleaning efforts, it is normal if you overlooked any food particles. Checking your teeth will enable you to get rid of any leftovers right away. It will also allow you to check if your braces are in place.
8. Ask the Specialist
If you have any confusion regarding your braces or aftercare, feel free to bring it up with your dentist. When you get dental braces in Hamilton your orthodontist will guide you through the process and help you achieve great results. If you have any concerns, discuss them during or between your treatments. Leave no questions unanswered.
After the Procedure
Even after your braces come off, you may need to wear retainers to ensure that the braces did their job. Your orthodontist will tell you precisely what you have to do. You can also ask the dentist or other staff members about aftercare.
After going through the lengthy procedure, you deserve a whole lot of fun! When the braces come off, celebrate with the food that you might have avoided during the treatment. But, make sure to keep your oral health in check by not overconsuming foods that are generally harmful to the teeth. Also, make sure to adopt common cleaning mechanisms and visit the dentist regularly to keep your mouth healthy.