Posted by whybraces

When people think of getting braces, they tend to think first of the metal that will be filling their mouths and impairing their smiles. What they don’t realize is how far braces have come in the last twenty years. Now you can get brackets in special shapes, in different colors and materials and, instead of the braces impeding your smile, your braces can enhance it.

The most important factor of dealing with a life with braces is getting used to the extended care routine. While you have braces, the simple brushing and flossing of your teeth is not good enough. You need to make sure to brush your teeth and take care to brush the brackets and around the brackets as well. You want to floss your teeth as well you can. In addition to this, you should invest in a water pik as it can get water into areas that your toothbrush and flossing miss. After you have cleaned your teeth, as well as the spaces between them, you want to use a mouth rinse. Your orthodontist will recommend a mouth rinse that works well with braces. The mouth rinse will get into places that even the water pik could not reach.

There are also some dietary changes that you will have to get used to. Your orthodontist will hand you a long list of “no” foods and you should follow it, especially when it comes to the sticky items. Sticky foods like taffy or gum can pull brackets off your teeth, and pop wires out of place. You should also stay away from the extra sugary and acidic drinks like soda and fruit juices. The sugar and acid eats away at the glue holding the brackets to your teeth and with your teeth being weakened, your enamel won’t be able to withstand these drinks as well as they normally would.

In addition to the “no” foods, your diet will also change in terms of texture. For a few days each month, after your braces have been adjusted, your teeth will be especially week and your mouth will hurt. During these days, you will want to stick to soft foods like soups or pudding.

The good news is, you will get used to your braces, and it will not take as much time as you think it will. The dental care routine will become second nature, and you won’t miss the “no” foods as much as you think you will. Your braces aren’t going to change your life as much as you think they will, and having a built in accessory like braces can be more fun than you think!