Having braces can be a bit of a challenge. With the brackets and wires in your mouth, you might feel a little self-conscious about smiling. But fear not, it is possible to rock a perfect smile with braces! Here are some tips and tricks to help you get there.
Proper Oral Hygiene
The foundation of a perfect smile is proper oral hygiene. This is especially important when you have braces because food particles tend to get stuck in between the wires and brackets, which can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Brushing
Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled brush. Pay extra attention to the areas where the wire and brackets meet your teeth, as these are the areas where plaque buildup is the most common. Use an interdental brush to clean in between the wires and brackets.
Flossing
Flossing can be a bit tricky when you have braces, but it’s essential to remove food particles and plaque from in between your teeth. Use a floss threader or a water flosser to make the process easier. You can also use an orthodontic floss that comes with a stiff end to thread it through the wires.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine. It can reach areas in your mouth that your brush and floss can’t. Use a mouthwash that’s free of alcohol, as alcohol can cause dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath and tooth decay.
Choose the right foods
When you have braces, it’s essential to choose foods that are easy to chew and won’t get stuck in between the wires and brackets. Here are some tips on what to eat and what to avoid.
Foods to avoid
- Sticky or chewy candy
- Nuts
- Pretzels
- Popcorn
- Hard candy
Foods to eat
Stick to soft and easy-to-chew foods such as:
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Soft cheese
- Oatmeal
- Soups
Keep up with adjustments
Your orthodontist will need to make adjustments to your braces periodically to make sure that they’re moving your teeth properly. It’s crucial to keep up with these appointments to ensure that your braces are doing their job effectively.
Find your best angle
When it comes to taking pictures or selfies, finding your best angle with braces can be a little tricky. Here are some tips:
- Try tilting your head slightly to one side or the other to find a flattering angle.
- Experiment with different lighting to find what works best for you.
- If you’re really struggling, you can always use a filter or editing software to blur the braces out.
Consider teeth whitening
If you’re worried about your braces yellowing your teeth or you just want an extra boost of confidence, consider getting your teeth whitened. Talk to your orthodontist or dentist about your options.
Be confident
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be confident in your smile with braces. Remember that you’re taking care of your teeth, and that’s something to be proud of. Embrace your braces and smile with confidence!
Conclusion
With proper oral hygiene, choosing the right foods, keeping up with adjustments, finding your best angle, considering teeth whitening, and being confident, you can rock a perfect smile with braces!
Common Questions
- How long do I need to wear my braces?
- The duration of treatment depends on the severity of your case. On average, treatment lasts between 18 and 24 months.
- Is it okay to play sports with braces?
- Absolutely! However, it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces.
- Can I still play musical instruments with braces?
- Yes, but it may take some time to get used to playing with braces. You may experience some discomfort at first, but it should go away after a few weeks.
- When should I brush my teeth if I wear braces?
- You should brush your teeth after every meal and snack to remove any food particles that may be stuck in your braces.
- How often do I need to see my orthodontist?
- You will need to see your orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments.
References
1. American Association of Orthodontists. (n.d.). Orthodontic treatment. Retrieved from https://www.aaoinfo.org/orthodontic-treatment/
2. American Dental Association. (2017). Braces. Retrieved from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/braces