3 Tips for Caring for Braces

Braces are certainly an investment, and in order for them to be the most effective and leave your teeth as nice-looking as possible when they're removed, it is important for you to know how to properly care for them. When you don't care properly for your braces and the teeth they're straightening, you run the risk of damaging the brackets or finding white spots, cavities, or stains on your teeth after they're gone. Listed below are three terrific tips for caring for your braces and teeth; keep these in mind and you'll love the end result of your orthodontic work!

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

It doesn't matter how straight your teeth are if they are also stained and riddled with cavities. To avoid stains, cavities, and other signs of decay, it is important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Taking just 4 minutes out of your day can work wonders when it comes to keeping your teeth looking bright, white, and beautiful. It's also important to floss and rinse with mouthwash. If you find that flossing is difficult, talk to your orthodontist about special flossing mechanisms to make the process easier. Often, they have such devices in the office and will give you one for free.

2. Avoid Certain Foods

No matter how much you brush or how regularly you floss, there are certain foods that you should just avoid while you're wearing your braces. Foods and drinks like bubblegum, soda, apples, bagels, corn on the cob, caramel and other chewy candies, popcorn, and nuts can actually cause damage to your braces. You've paid a lot of money for them; don't let food increase the orthodontic bill or the length of time you need to wear your braces. 

3. Follow the Rules and Wear Your Rubber bands

Many orthodontists require patients to wear rubber bands around their braces to help align the jaw. It can be painful to wear the rubber bands, but they are instrumental in helping your braces do their job. If you wear them regularly, then you might be able to get your braces off earlier than expected. As with avoiding certain foods, wearing rubber bands is a small price to pay for making your investment worth the expense. 

Braces are a great development in the world of cosmetic dentistry. Follow the three tips listed above to ensure that you get the most out of your braces, and you'll start seeing a straighter, brighter smile sooner than you think! Click here for more info about braces.

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