There’s no doubt that braces are the fastest way to get a straighter, more beautiful smile. Straightening teeth takes patience, time, and care. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your braces, so you can see the smile you want sooner.
- Start With The Right Types Of Braces
- Keep Up With Good At-Home Oral-Hygiene
- Don’t Let Your Diet Sabotage Your Results
- Bands Are Just As Important As Brackets
- Stay On Track With Adjustments & Appointments
Choose The Right Orthodontic Treatment
With so many teeth straightening treatment options available, finding the correct type of braces for you will take careful thought. Our orthodontists will consider your insurance coverage, lifestyle, and preferred level of care as we help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Keep Those Teeth Clean
Practicing good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do during your treatment. Food particles can easily hide inside your brackets, wires, and aligners. It’s essential to brush your teeth thoroughly with the right tools to remove these particles.
Brushing up to four times a day not only promotes a healthy mouth, but will help you avoid severe bracket stains. In addition to your regular toothbrush, an Interdental toothbrush can make it easier to get around brackets and wires.
Stock Up On Floss Threaders
Flossing is just as important as brushing. Flossing helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities while your braces work to straighten your teeth. Using a floss threader can make it easier to get between brackets and wires. Superfloss has a stiff that works great for tight spaces. A water pick can also help to clean out every crevice.
Find the floss that works for you, or ask any of our orthodontic specialists for a floss recommendation.
Avoid Bracket-Busting Foods
Your orthodontist will provide you with a list of foods you should not eat while undergoing treatment. You should not consume super sticky, hard, crunchy, or gooey foods while wearing braces. It might not seem important, but not following this one simple instruction can lead to broken brackets and bent wires, which can prolong your treatment period.
Wear Your Braces Bands
If your orthodontist gave you elastic bands, make sure you wear them as instructed. Yes, even the ones that stretch diagonally across your front teeth. Remember, braces are temporary, but your new smile will be forever.
Bands help speed up the teeth straightening process. They take some patience and time to get used to putting them on, but you’ll be glad you did. Request your favorite colors, try out rainbow braces, or go low-key with clear or white. Have fun with it.
Don’t Skip Orthodontic Adjustments & Appointments
The thoughts of post-tightening soreness or that your dentist will notice your less-than-perfect aligner hygiene may have you tempted to miss your regularly scheduled appointments. Don’t do it!
Regular visits are designed to check your progress and make any necessary adjustments your moving teeth need to continue in the right direction. Skipping orthodontic appointments can slow down the treatment process and extend your time in braces.
Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions
Finally, make sure to follow any specific instructions your orthodontic specialist gives you. Not following instructions can lead to unnecessary discomfort, extra visits, breakages, bent wires, and extended wear times. When in doubt, ask questions! We are here to answer all of your orthodontic questions.
Get The Best Out Of Your Braces In LV
At Nevada Dentistry & Braces, we treat kids, teens, and adults with braces in Las Vegas. We offer a great, affordable selection of options for the best tooth straightening experience possible. Contact us to book a consultation today.