Top Tips for Patients with Braces: Do's and Don'ts from Dr. Aaron Crossley
Welcome to our orthodontic family at Crossley Orthodontics! Braces are a fantastic investment in your oral health and appearance, but they do require some special care and attention. Here are our top tips and essential do's and don'ts to help you achieve the best results with your braces.
Do: Follow Proper Oral Hygiene
Proper hygiene while wearing braces is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Food particles and plaque can become trapped in the brackets and wires if not addressed. Here’s how to maintain a clean and healthy mouth:
Brush After Every Meal: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth after every meal. Pay extra attention to the brackets and wires, and brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around them effectively.
Floss Daily: Flossing with braces can be challenging, but it’s essential. Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to clean between your teeth and under the wires.
Use Mouthwash: Reduce bacteria and plaque with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Don’t: Skip Your Orthodontic Appointments
Regular visits to our office are crucial for monitoring your progress and making necessary adjustments. Skipping appointments can delay your treatment and affect the outcome.
Do: Be Careful of What You Eat
Certain foods can damage your braces so it’s important to remember the following:
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Stay away from hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and ice, as well as sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum. These can break or dislodge your brackets and wires.
Cut Food into Smaller Pieces: For foods that are safe to eat, like fruits and vegetables, cut them into bite-sized pieces to reduce the risk of damage to your braces.
Opt for Soft Foods: Incorporate soft foods into your diet, such as yogurt, pasta, bananas, and steamed vegetables. These are easier to chew and less likely to cause issues.
Don’t: Use Your Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to open packages, bite your nails, or chew on pens and pencils can damage your braces and harm your teeth. Be mindful and use appropriate tools for these tasks instead.
Do: Wear Your Orthodontic Appliances as Directed
In addition to braces, you might be required to wear other orthodontic appliances such as rubber bands or retainers. These appliances are crucial for achieving the best results:
Rubber Bands: Follow our instructions on wearing rubber bands to help correct your bite. Replace them as directed to maintain consistent pressure.
Retainers: After your braces are removed, wear your retainer as instructed to keep your teeth in their new positions.
Don’t: Ignore Discomfort or Damage
It’s normal to experience some discomfort, especially after adjustments, but severe pain or damage to your braces should not be ignored. Contact us if you experience any of the following:
Broken Brackets or Wires: If a bracket or wire breaks or comes loose, it can cause discomfort and delay your treatment. Contact our office immediately to schedule a repair.
Severe Pain: Mild soreness is expected, but severe pain might indicate a problem. Let us know if your discomfort is persistent or unbearable.
Do: Use Orthodontic Wax for Relief
If your braces cause irritation to the inside of your cheeks or lips, use orthodontic wax to cover the problematic areas. This will provide a protective layer between your gums and the brackets to reduce any discomfort.
Don’t: Forget to Protect Your Braces During Sports
If you play sports, it’s important to protect your braces and teeth from injury. Wear a mouthguard specifically designed for braces. This will cushion your teeth and braces from impacts and reduce the risk of damage.
Don’t: Compare Your Progress to Others
Everyone’s orthodontic treatment is unique. Some people may progress faster or slower than others, depending on their specific needs and conditions. Trust the process and focus on your individual journey.
Do: Stay Positive and Patient
Orthodontic treatment is a journey that requires time and commitment, but the results are well worth it. Stay positive and patient throughout the process. Celebrate small milestones, and remind yourself of the beautiful smile you’ll have at the end.
By following these do's and don'ts, you'll be well on your way to achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. At Crossley Orthodontics, we're here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns about your braces, don't hesitate to reach out to our team. Together, we’ll make your orthodontic journey a successful and rewarding experience.
Stay committed, take good care of your braces, and look forward to the stunning smile that awaits you at the end of your treatment. Happy smiling!
For more information and tips, visit www.crossleyortho.com.
Dr. Crossley is conveniently located at: 12828 Eldorado Pkwy, Suite 100, Frisco, TX 75035 • (214) 556-6868 and 651 Cross Timbers Rd, Suite 100, Flower Mound, TX 75028 • (972) 221-2515.