Metal dental braces are a popular orthodontic treatment option for correcting misaligned teeth and achieving a straighter, more beautiful smile. While wearing braces can be an adjustment, proper management during and after treatment is essential to ensure the best possible results and maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
Understanding Metal Braces
Before diving into the management tips, it’s essential to understand how metal braces work. Metal braces are metal brackets bonded to each tooth’s front surface and connected by archwires. The tension in the wires gradually shifts the teeth into their desired positions over time.
Follow Your Cosmetic Dentist’s Instructions
Listen carefully to your orthodontist’s instructions on caring for your braces. They will guide you on how to clean and maintain your braces properly. Attend all scheduled appointments for adjustments, as this is crucial for the progress of your treatment.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential during braces treatment to prevent potential issues such as cavities or gum disease. Brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal and bedtime using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Pay extra attention to cleaning around the brackets and wires. Use special floss threaders or orthodontic floss daily to clean between the teeth and under the wires.
Ensure to use Pikster’s Daily
Piksters are designed with fine bristles that can easily access the tight spaces between teeth and braces. They excel at removing plaque, food debris, and bacteria from areas where regular dental floss might struggle to reach. Incorporating Piksters into your oral care routine can significantly reduce the risk of developing cavities and gum disease during your braces journey.
Using Piksters to clean between teeth and around braces ensures that your orthodontic appliances remain in good condition, allowing for more efficient treatment progress.
Watch Your Diet
Be mindful of your diet to avoid damaging your braces or getting food stuck. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can break or dislodge brackets or wires. Cut crunchy fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces to make them easier to chew.
Use Wax for Discomfort
During the first few days after getting braces and after adjustments, you may experience some discomfort or soreness. Orthodontic wax can be applied to the brackets or wires to cushion and reduce irritation to your cheeks and lips.
Wear Orthodontic Rubber Bands as Instructed
If your orthodontist prescribes rubber bands as part of your treatment, wear them as instructed. These elastics help correct the alignment of your bite and play a crucial role in achieving optimal results.
Protect Your Braces During Physical Activities
If you participate in sports or other physical activities, consider wearing a dental mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth from potential injuries. Your orthodontist can recommend a suitable mouthguard that fits comfortably over your braces.
Maintain Post-Treatment Orthodontic Retainers
After your braces are removed, you will likely need to wear retainers to maintain the alignment of your teeth. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing and caring for your retainers to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Attend Regular Dental Check-ups
Even after removing your braces, you must continue attending regular check-ups with your orthodontist. These visits will allow them to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to retainers or other appliances.
Keep Up with Oral Health
Maintain good oral hygiene habits even after your braces are off. Continue to brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Managing metal braces during and after treatment requires commitment and proper care to achieve the best results.
Following this complete guide and your orthodontic dentist’s advice, you can ensure a successful orthodontic journey and enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile for years. Remember, patience and consistency are key, and the effort you put into managing your metal braces will be well worth it when you see the final results of your orthodontic treatment.
If you’re considering dental braces to achieve a straighter, more confident smile, look no further than the highly skilled cosmetic dental team at Amazing Smiles. With extensive experience in orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing exceptional results tailored to your unique needs.
Schedule a free initial consultation with us to discuss your goals and concerns, and our experts will create a personalized treatment plan that fits your specific requirements.
At Amazing Smiles, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality dental care, so we offer $0 interest payment plan options, making your dream smile a reality without financial stress.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today and take the first step towards transforming your smile and enhancing your oral health with our top-notch dental care! We have dental clinics throughout South East Queensland on the Gold Coast, Logan, Jimboomba, Wynnum and Bray Park.
