Having braces requires frequent maintenance and attention. No doubt you have probably seen the slightly frightening pictures of people who finally get their braces removed, only to have their teeth stained around each bracket, like removing old pictures from a wall. This happens when the braces and teeth were not properly cleaned, and is easy to avoid by using some of these helpful steps.
On-the-Go
When wearing braces, it is important to brush three times a day (after every meal!). This may seem a little excessive, but anyone who has experienced the embarrassing moment of getting ready for bed and noticing a piece of spinach from lunch still hanging on one of their front teeth knows that cleaning after meals is worth it. Keep a travel toothbrush always in your pocket, backpack, or purse, and if you have room, keep this recommended kit with you on hand:
- Small mirror
- Travel mouthwash
- Travel toothbrush
- Interproximal (Christmas Tree) brush
- Floss
Don’t bite off more than you can chew
We know you or your kid miss biting into apples, eating popcorn, hard candies, and not having to worry about having pieces of cilantro stuck in a front brace. But aside from avoiding certain foods that are more prone to either damaging or getting stuck in braces, eating smaller bites can help you focus on using your back molars so chewing with front teeth is kept to a minimum.
Let’s be honest, braces are just a stepping stone towards you and your future smile. We know that you work hard to always wear your bands, come in for regular appointments, and do all you can to speed up the process. But amidst all this we hope you don’t forget to “embrace” your smile. You work hard to keep your teeth sparkling, so just don’t forget to show it off!