Braces patients have A LOT that they need to keep in mind on a daily basis!
It’s always exciting when you’re undergoing your orthodontic transformation toward a beautiful, straight smile that’ll last the rest of your life. However, there are some do’s and don’ts that every braces patient should keep in mind in order to have a beneficial, pleasant treatment experience.
At JK Orthodontics, our team is passionate about providing state-of-the-art orthodontic care that includes empowering every patient with useful knowledge that they can utilize on a daily basis.
This is why we’ve developed this blog, which is oriented around the do’s and don’ts that every braces patient should know!
The Do’s For Braces Patients
Although there are plenty of things that you’ll need to do during your braces treatment, the following do’s are what you should be considering on a daily basis:
Maintaining Great Oral Hygiene
It’s absolutely critical to keep your teeth thoroughly cleaned during your treatment process, regardless of whether you have braces or Line-M-Up™. Food rather easily hides within the nooks and crannies of your wires and brackets, as well as in between your teeth. This leads to unwanted plaque buildup, which can subsequently lead to many oral health dilemmas like gum disease and bad breath.
This is why braces patients should thoroughly brush their teeth at least twice daily, and you can’t forget about flossing on a daily basis either! Although traditional flossing is sometimes considered to be a hassle for braces patients, it’s important to remember that there are many convenient alternatives, like water flossers and floss threaders, that are true game-changers during orthodontic treatment.
Braces patients also have to be diligent about rinsing with mouthwash daily because this will fully eliminate any lingering food particles and maintain the freshness of their mouths!
Regularly Attend Your Orthodontic Checkup Appointments
Your checkup appointments with Dr. Karpac are important for keeping your treatment on track. These appointments will include tightenings and any necessary adjustments to keep your braces working efficiently.
If you skip your checkups, you’ll likely extend your treatment timeline. These appointments are also great opportunities to ask our team questions and share your thoughts about how your treatment is progressing.
Managing Discomfort With Orthodontic Wax
Braces can occasionally irritate your lips or cheeks, particularly when you’re just getting used to them at the beginning of your treatment journey. In these situations, orthodontic wax will be like your best friend!
All you’ll need to do is cover the offending wire, bracket, or aligner section with a small piece of wax, and then you’ll experience instant relief. Be sure to keep orthodontic wax in your toolkit so you’ll be ready to prevent pain or discomfort whenever it unfortunately pops up.
Mouthguards Are Mandatory For Athletes
If you’re an athlete who plays sports on a daily basis or you’re involved in any physical activities that could cause a hit to your mouth, an orthodontic mouthguard is 100% essential.
Mouthguards protect your mouth and braces from injuries and damage, and our team specializes in developing safe and comfortable orthodontic mouthguards that fit over braces. We’ve even helped world-class athletes from Ohio State, like Ezekiel Elliot, with their mouthguard needs, so we’re confident that we’ve got you covered when you need a customized mouthguard!
Use Your Line-M-Up™ Protective Case
If you’re a Line-M-Up™ patient, it’s important to remember just how easy it can be to damage, lose, or even break your aligners when you take them out to brush your teeth or eat.
This is why we recommend our invisible aligner patients carry their protective case with them on a daily basis. You’ll be surprised by just how many people reach out to us after they’ve accidentally tossed their aligners in the trash, and we’ve also heard about plenty of aligners being chewed by dogs!
By keeping your aligners in a protective case, you’ll guarantee that they’re safe from harm and germs.
The Don’ts While Wearing Braces
It’s also important for braces patients to fully understand what they should avoid during their treatment.
Below are some of the don’ts to keep in mind while wearing braces!
Not Following A Diet That’s Braces-Friendly
Although your braces are definitely very tough, they’re not invincible. To avoid damaging your braces, you’ll want to avoid chewy, sticky, or hard foods. This includes common treats like popcorn, caramel, and all sorts of hard candies.
In general, braces patients should wait to eat these food options until after their treatment has been finalized. The good news is that you can enjoy tasty soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and steamed veggies. Be sure to cut your food into small pieces and focus on chewing with your back teeth, as this will put less strain on your front brackets.
By following a braces-friendly diet and proper chewing techniques, you’ll prevent all sorts of inconveniences!
Don’t Forget About Your Dentist
It’s important for braces patients to remember that they can definitely still get cavities while undergoing treatment, so coming in to see our team isn’t a reason to stop seeing your dentist.
Braces patients are susceptible to oral health issues just like everyone else, and continuing your dental cleaning appointments and oral exams can help you avoid serious issues like tooth decay and cavities.
Don’t Ignore Broken/Loose Brackets—Or Try DIY Repairs!
If you notice that a wire has snapped or one of your brackets has become loose, you cannot wait out the situation or fix it yourself. There are very few DIY orthodontic repairs because most scenarios require the help of a professional orthodontist like Dr. Karpac.
It’s also important to remember that these issues can negatively impact your treatment’s progress and cause injuries or discomfort. So whenever you experience loose brackets or damaged wires, be sure to contact us as soon as possible.
We’re experts at making safe, efficient repairs that get your treatment back on track!
Reach Out To JK Orthodontics For More Braces Tips!
Incorporating the above do’s and don’ts into your daily routine can sometimes be easier said than done, but the good news is that following these tips is 100% worth it in the long run. Your treatment process will be faster, and your end results will ultimately be much healthier and more beautiful!
JK Orthodontics is one of the leading orthodontic practices in central Ohio. In recent decades, we’ve supported thousands of patients throughout the Columbus metro area. Dr. Karpac is one of the most renowned orthodontists in the entire state, and our team is always here to improve your braces experience.
Contact us online or call us at 614-766-0330 to schedule your next checkup or in-person consultation appointment today!