Posted on June 6, 2022
Braces are an effective orthodontic treatment commonly used to straighten teeth in children, teens, and even adults. In fact, according to Humana, about 25% of people with braces treatment are adults. Here are some things you should know if you are considering braces treatment for yourself or a loved one.
Most of the discomfort caused by braces is similar to having something stuck to the front of your tooth. While you will eventually get used to this feeling, it can be an adjustment for the first few weeks. Fortunately, in a matter of weeks, you will become used to the feeling of having braces and likely won’t notice they are even there.
Flossing becomes tougher when you have braces. Braces tend to obstruct your floss, making it slightly more difficult to reach certain areas. The best way to floss when you have braces is to remove the elastics and bands. This will allow you to better clean hard-to-reach areas. Once that’s done, you should brush every wire and tooth before you rinse and before you put your elastics and bands back on.
There are certain things you cannot eat when you have braces. However, this doesn’t mean that you will be on a strict diet for the duration of your treatment. It’s important to figure out the foods that you should avoid for your braces to be the most effective. For instance, you should avoid eating hard foods or cutting hard foods into smaller pieces. For example, it is best to avoid hard, raw vegetables like raw carrots and broccoli. Your orthodontist should inform you of all the foods to avoid while in treatment.
These are three important things you should know about when it comes to braces treatment. It’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and go for regular checkups so the braces can be adjusted as needed. If you would like to learn more about life with braces treatment or to schedule an appointment, contact Johnson Orthodontics, today!