The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that there are over 4.5 million Americans on braces treatment today. Straightening your teeth using aligners does more than just correct the improper bite. It can improve oral health, boost self-esteem and improve facial structures. Additionally, it can solve issues with temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder, which affect 5% to 12% of the population.
While you might choose your preferred orthodontic treatment from a range of same day braces, you may need to know how to look after them. If you take care of the aligners properly, it makes them more effective and comfortable, shortening the period that you have to wait for the perfect smile. Here’s how to take care of your same day braces.
1. Use the Right Brushing Technique
Everyone needs to maintain proper dental hygiene. However, the stakes are much higher for patients wearing braces. Part of the oral care routine involves brushing your teeth correctly. You may need to use fluoride toothpaste and an interdental toothbrush with soft bristles.
Perfect your brushing technique by starting at your gumline, holding the brush at a 45-degree angle towards your gum. Hold the brush at a downward angle to clean the upper side of your brackets before switching to an upward angle to clean the bottom side.
Brush at least twice a day, and gurgle some fluoride mouthwash whenever you aren’t in a position to clean the teeth.
2. Floss With Care
Flossing is an integral part of the daily oral care routine. It can help reduce plaque build-up and small food particles lodged between your teeth and braces. You may need to be careful as you floss to avoid damaging the wires and brackets. If you find it difficult to use flossing tape, you can also turn to floss threaders. Avoid applying too much pressure or moving too fast to avoid damaging the brackets.
3. Watch the Foods You Eat
The best local orthodontist in Hanover, PA, may provide a list of foods that you may need to drop from your menu. Hard, crunchy, chewy, and sticky foods can damage your same day braces. Biting on nuts, chips, and other hard snacks can place excessive pressure on your braces, forcing the wires to bend. You can opt for softer foods such as smoothies, yogurts, and pasta for the first few days of the treatment. However, in the long run, and with the advice of your orthodontist, you can resume your normal diet albeit carefully.
4. Attend All Orthodontic Appointments
You may have to schedule orthodontic visits with a Hanover Orthodontics office that will cover the entire treatment period. You need to honor the orthodontic appointments. The orthodontist can carry out an orthodontic exam to ensure that you remain on course with the treatment targets. Besides, you get an opportunity to bring in broken parts of the clear braces for repair and reattachment. The orthodontist can also answer any question that you may have about the treatment.
Learn More About Braces
Braces are an ideal solution for crooked teeth and bad bites, allowing you to get back to your beautiful smile. Taking care of your aligners is critical to ensuring successful orthodontic treatment. Are you looking for same day braces in Hanover, PA? Contact David Ross Orthodontics to get braces today and receive additional instructions on how to look after them.
