For some, needing to wear braces is not a big deal; for others, it can be quite the change. Especially if you acquire traditional braces, you’ll need to adjust certain aspects of your life while your treatment occurs. Now, while these are by no means huge things, it can be tricky getting used to the framework and the sensation of wearing braces.
If you’re interested in learning more about what life with braces in Innisfil looks like, we encourage you to contact our local dental office. We’re happy to assist you with all your questions.
Braces: A Quick Look
Orthodontics is a specialized type of dental care that focuses on straightening patients’ smiles and remedying problems with their jaw that cause difficulty biting, chewing, and talking.
There are several options you can choose from including:
- Traditional braces (metal).
- Ceramic.
- Lingual.
- Clear aligners.
Traditional, ceramic, and lingual braces all use a framework of archwires and brackets that are fastened to your teeth. Such a structure exerts subtle yet consistent pressure on your teeth which, over a prolonged period, will encourage them to shift into new positions. Clear aligners function similarly but the trays are designed from dental plastic, giving the wearer a more subtle look.
It depends on the degree of adjustments your smile requires as to which type of braces is best; typically, patients who need more complex changes will be advised to receive traditional braces. If you have questions about this form of orthodontics near you, reach out to your dentist today.
Tops Tips for Living with Braces
- Consume soft foods.
Your teeth will be more sensitive than usual, and your jaw may be sore, especially during the first few days of your treatment. So, it’s best to stick to consuming extremely soft and slippery foods like mashed potatoes, soups, pasta, and smoothies. After a week or so, you can begin to eat crunchier foods, but cutting them up into small pieces will allow you to avoid further aches.
- Keep an eye on chewing habits.
More specifically, bad chewing habits. Examples include biting your fingernails, the end of your pencils, or gnawing on forks and spoons during mealtime. These habits can cause damage to your teeth and cause you more pain.
- Brush your teeth frequently!
At the end of the day, it truly doesn’t matter what form of care you receive from, whether it’s orthodontics in Innisfil, root canal therapy, or dental implants, you should always be brushing twice a day at the very least. Good dental hygiene allows your treatment to go smoothly because cavities and infections won’t arise.
- Stay away from certain foods.
Or try eating less of certain foods. Items like super sticky and chewy foods like candies, crunchy snacks like chips, and hard foods like nuts can hurt when you eat them. And it can be very troublesome to get rid of such debris.
- Get a new toothbrush.
That’s right! There are special toothbrushes available to help individuals with braces maintain their oral hygiene and keep everything nice and fresh. You can talk to your dentist or they’re available in stores.
- Floss!
Brushing is a great preventative measure, but it’s even more effective when paired with frequent flossing. This allows you to remove debris and bacteria from your smile that you couldn’t otherwise reach with a toothbrush.
- Don’t whiten your teeth.
While dental whitening agents don’t necessarily harm or even interfere with your orthodontic treatment, your results can be less than desirable, particularly if you’re wearing traditional or ceramic braces. The space on your tooth around the braces and archwires will be enhanced but the spaces where they’re attached won’t, so you’ll be left with uneven results.
- Keep a cleaning kit with you.
Whether you’re heading to meet friends or a big job interview, you never know when something might get caught in your braces and you need to get it out. Fortunately, there are lots of small, pocket-sized/travel-sized toothbrush kits that you can just slip in your bag and keep with you.
- Wear a dental guard.
A dental guard is purposefully designed to protect your smile from various impacts. This is nothing short of invaluable when you’re wearing braces, as it will stop your wires and such from snapping loose or cutting your gum and cheek tissues.
- Smile often!
It’s a known fact that smiling makes us feel better about ourselves and life. So, why not enjoy the experience? All those “horror stories” you might have heard are either untrue or significantly exaggerated. After all, hundreds of people have acquired braces and been absolutely fine!
Come See Us at Innisfil Orthodontics Today!
Are you officially ready to kickstart your dental journey? Have further questions about living life with braces near you? No problem! At our dental clinic, our staff is eager to speak with you and help you reach all your oral health goals. Call, pop over to our website, or stop by our physical location to arrange an appointment time that works with your schedule!