If you have serious misalignment, our team may help you obtain even smiles again with braces. But during treatment, how do you keep your smile safe, and avoid issues like stained teeth or bad breath? In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist will explain how to properly keep your smiles healthy while wearing your metal orthodontics.
Considering Cosmetic Orthodontics
How do we correct misalignment? Well, for children we could start with a phased approach, which limits the severity of misalignment with time using retainers and teeth spacers. Once you reach your teen years, or adulthood, then we will offer braces or aligners. With braces, we attach brackets to the front side of the teeth, which we create from ceramic to ensure a lifelike appearance. We then attach a portion of an arch wire to each one using a clear band. Then tension is adjusted in the orthodontics to correct smiles. We could also use Invisalign®, creating a series of plastic aligners to help shift the teeth over the period of a about a year.
Brushing and Flossing
If you have braces, you need to take time when you brush, as you now need to work around your brackets and wires. Even though it’s a bit more difficult, flossing is as important as ever. If you have aligners, you simply take them out before you clean your teeth. We recommend you continue to brush in the morning and again at night for at least two minutes. Use a fluoride toothpaste too, to help strengthen outer enamel. Before bed each evening, try to floss as well. These actions not only limit the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, but help fight teeth stains and bad breath as well.
Watching What You Eat
Remember, foods high in sugar and starch, and drinks high in sugar, leave behind particles for bacteria to consume, a process linked to more severe plaque buildup. Plaque not only leads to more visible stains, but could also cause tooth decay and gum disease. If you have braces, this is especially important as the food particles could trapped in your orthodontics, remaining there until your brush and floss later in the day. Try to consume more fresh fruits and veggies, drink plenty of water, and also consider low-fat yogurts, whole grain breads and crackers, cheeses, and nuts when you want a snack.
Attend Your Checkups
Be sure to see us and your general dentist as recommended. Routine exams and visits mean your treatment continues uninterrupted, and we can watch for any signs of trouble!
Do You Need a Consultation?
Our team wants to help you maintain good oral health throughout the treatment process. To learn more about safeguarding your oral health, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Azle, Saginaw, and all surrounding communities.
