You already know that braces or clear aligners are a great way to improve your smile, but are you ready to live with them? Whether you're a teenager who wants straight teeth by prom or an adult who wants a better smile, you'll find some great tips that make it easier than ever to live with your braces until we take them off for you.
The Dangers of Eating
As much as we want you to feel comfortable and happy with your braces, we also want you to know what foods to avoid. These foods can get stuck in your braces and make life more than a little uncomfortable. Chunky peanut butter is one of the worst culprits, but sticky and chewy foods are just as dangerous. You should avoid chewing gum and eating gummies and similar candies. Nuts and other hard foods are also hazardous.
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Rinse and Brush
Many of our patients have a problem with food particles that become stuck in their braces. Try gently brushing to remove some of those particles. You'll want to use a circular motion as you rub the brush over both your teeth and your gums. Rinsing with warm water can also help, especially if your gums are swollen or you feel uncomfortable. We also recommend rinsing with water if it hurts to brush your teeth. Don't hesitate to call your orthodontist either.
Clean on the Go
Don't be afraid to clean your braces on the go when you're away from home. Invest in a good cleaning kit that includes a small brush and/or a floss threader. It's helpful to tuck a few extra rubber bands and cotton balls in the kit, too. If a wire breaks, wet the cotton ball and place it over the wire until you see your orthodontist. Extra rubber bands come in handy if one of your breaks or snaps.
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Show Off Your Clear Aligners
Some patients worry about what others think and try not to smile as much as possible. As clear aligners slowly improve your smile over time, why not show it off? Go ahead and smile when you're happy or you laugh. At Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics, we offer early treatment solutions that work for adults, teenagers, and adolescents.
You can trust us to help you choose between traditional braces and clear aligners based on your needs and lifestyle. We make it easy for you to get all of the forms you need to fill out before your appointment and learn how to contact us in case of an emergency. Why wait to get the smile you deserve when you can start as soon as this week? Call Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist to learn more about braces and caring for yours.
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