Important Things To Do Before And After Getting Braces

There are now lots of options for orthodontic systems available. The one you choose will depend on the severity of your issue, your lifestyle and your budget. Read on to find out what else you need to consider before getting braces and what to do once they are fitted.

Before Getting Braces

Choose The Right Orthodontist

There are a few things to consider when choosing an orthodontist such as their experience, do they offer extended hours, is the service personalized and who oversees your treatment?

Don’t be afraid to book a consultation at more than one practice and ask lots of questions. The more informed you are about your dental health, the better you will understand your dental issues and how to treat them. 

Get Dental Work Done

Before getting braces fitted, schedule a professional cleaning and a dental exam so you begin your treatment in good dental health. If you have severe overcrowding, your orthodontist may suggest removing one or more permanent teeth to make room for your other teeth to fit comfortably. Your dentist may also recommend getting your wisdom teeth extracted pre-braces, so they don’t impact your smile and your bite once they erupt.

Be Prepared For Some Temporary Pain

You may initially experience mild discomfort because the brackets will rub against the soft tissue inside your mouth. Use orthodontic wax to cover the brackets and to prevent irritation. The pressure from the wires can also be uncomfortable especially initially and after an adjustment. This is actually a good sign because it means teeth are shifting, and the braces are doing their job.

Your cosmetic dentist in Ormskirk may prescribe over-the-counter painkillers to alleviate discomfort or recommend rinsing your mouth with salt water to help your sores heal. Also, stick to soft foods when you are first fitted with braces and for a day or two after a wire adjustment.

Take A Before Selfie

Orthodontic treatment can be a long process. Take a before selfie so you don’t forget how much your smile has improved when reveal day rolls around.

Things To Do After Getting Braces

Cleaning Is Crucial

Thoroughly cleaning your teeth while wearing braces is critical because food particles can become trapped in the small spaces in your brackets. Poor oral hygiene can cause cavities, bad breath, gum disease and decalcification or white spots. 

Your dentist may suggest booking more frequent professional hygiene cleanings while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment to ensure your teeth and gums are clean.  

Improve Your Brushing

Brushing your teeth while wearing braces takes some time and effort because it is essential to get all around the brackets and under the wires to eliminate all traces of plaque.

A soft-bristled toothbrush can easily access the small crevices on the brackets. Hold it at a 45°-angle above and below the brackets to ensure you are reaching all the spaces and along your gum line. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on the braces because you can damage them.

Always carry a travel toothbrush and toothpaste so you can brush after you eat. If you are unable to brush immediately drink some water to help remove food debris from your brackets.

Flossing

Flossing after you eat is encouraged to help remove food particles trapped between teeth.

Flossing with braces has to be done carefully. Thread the floss under the wire between every bracket to floss. Alternatively consider using threaders, interdental brushes or a Waterpik. Using too much force when flossing can damage the braces.

Adjust Your Diet

You’ll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you wear braces. Some foods can damage brackets, so you will need to adjust your diet. Sticky, crunchy or chewy foods like popcorn, gum, and nuts can make damage your brackets and arch wires. Foods you need to bite like corn on the cob, carrots, and apples should also be avoided. Cut them into small bite-sized pieces instead.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

The Northway Dental Practice is a well equipped and reputable dental clinic located in Ormskirk, England. Dr. Andrew Crosby and Dr. Priyal Crosby are highly experienced in the area of cosmetic and conservative dentistry.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.