If you’re considering getting braces, you probably have some questions about what to expect and how to prepare. One of the most important things to consider is making lifestyle changes that will help ensure your orthodontic treatment goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some key tips you should keep in mind before getting braces.
Eating HabitsÂ
One of the biggest lifestyle changes people should make before getting braces is changing their eating habits. Soft, chewy foods like gum, sticky candy, and popcorn can damage braces or even cause them to come off completely if they become stuck in the wires or brackets. Additionally, hard foods like nuts or hard candy can also damage braces and can even chip teeth if they become lodged between the brackets and wires. To avoid this sort of damage, it’s best to stick with softer foods like cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed fish, yoghurt, and soft fruits.
Oral Hygiene RoutinesÂ
Another important lifestyle change people should make before getting braces is changing their oral hygiene routines. It’s important to brush after every meal and floss daily to remove any food particles that may have gotten stuck in the wires or brackets of your braces.
Additionally, it’s also important to use a water pick or an interdental brush for cleaning around your brackets and wires as these specialized tools are designed to access those hard-to-reach places between teeth and underneath the arch wires. Your orthodontist will also recommend using mouthwash regularly as well as having regular check-ups with your dentist during treatment to ensure that your teeth stay healthy while wearing braces.
Mental Health and Stress ManagementÂ
Having braces requires a lot of patience—it may take around two years for them to work properly! As such, it’s important to stay positive during this period of adjustment by setting realistic expectations about when results will start showing up in the mirror. It’s also important to manage stress levels during this time by engaging in activities like yoga, mindfulness meditation, journaling, and talking with friends who understand what you’re going through. These strategies can help reduce anxiety associated with any discomfort from wearing braces along with any other issues related to adjusting to life with new dental tools in place.
Regular Orthodontic AppointmentsÂ
Getting regular orthodontic appointments before starting treatment is also important for having a successful experience with braces. Depending on the type of braces you choose, you’ll need to visit the orthodontist every 6-12 weeks for adjustments—these appointments will ensure that your teeth are properly aligned and that everything is working correctly with your braces. It’s also important to go regularly so any issues can be caught early on before any damage is done to either your teeth or the brace system itself.
Daily MaintenanceÂ
Finally, it’s also important to establish good daily maintenance habits when it comes to caring for your braces. This means checking all parts of your brace (including brackets and wires) daily for any signs of wear or tear as well as looking out for any loose bands or missing pieces that may need replacing. Additionally, it’s important to keep track of how long each appointment takes so that you know when it’s time for a retainer check-up or when adjustments need to be made due to shifting teeth positions during treatment over time.
Conclusion
Making a few lifestyle changes before getting braces will help ensure that you have a successful experience while wearing them! Eating softer foods like cooked vegetables and avoiding hard snacks like popcorn kernels or chips will help protect your brace system from damage while maintaining good oral hygiene habits such as brushing after every meal and flossing daily will prevent plaque build-up which could lead to tooth decay over time. And finally, regular check-ups throughout treatment will ensure that everything is working properly with your brace system so any issues can be caught early on before any damage is done to either your teeth or the brace system itself. With these easy tips in mind, getting started on the path towards getting a great smile has never been easier!
