Braces are an excellent fix for teeth lacking proper alignment, misaligned bites, or teeth that affect your self-confidence. At Harris Orthodontics, Atlanta, GA, we also provide orthodontic treatment to correct problems that can contribute to speech issues. There are several options for orthodontic treatment, and Dr. Peyton Harris can help you make the right treatment choices after conducting a clinical examination.
When you get your braces, it is normal to be concerned about your oral hygiene, food habits, and lifestyle choices. These Braces 101 tips from Dr. Harris should help you settle your doubts and take the right steps for peace of mind.
Braces & Care
Braces usually stay on for an average of 2 years, but the timeframe can vary from one patient to another based on their unique situation and needs. During this time, you will have to be careful about taking care of your oral health.
Brushing & Flossing
Dr. Harris and our staff will educate you about your everyday brushing and flossing routine. We love helping our patients take the right steps towards achieving their goals.
When it comes to flossing, you should follow these steps:
- Take some floss and wind it around the fingers
- Wrap a longer part of it around just one finger and move it to the other finger as the floss gets used
- Guide 1 inch of the floss between the teeth, using the thumbs and forefingers
- Hold the floss tight, and gently move the floss between the teeth
- Curve the floss against a tooth and slide it gently beneath the gums
- Slide up and down, and repeat for every tooth
Caring for Your Braces
Make sure to wear any retainer, headgear, or rubber bands as instructed by Dr. Harris. This is important to complete your orthodontic treatment as quickly as possible. As instructed, appliances and rubber bands must be worn and utilized for the treatment to be complete within the planned duration. If you have any issues with the devices, you should immediately call us.
Eat Soft Foods
Braces tend to be slightly uncomfortable initially. It can take a couple of days to get used to them. We suggest eating soft foods during the initial period to make the experience comfortable. Some of the recommended foods include:
- Oatmeal
- Mashed potatoes
- Spaghetti
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
It is also important to avoid certain foods. This includes popcorn, hard candies, corn on the cob, chips, and licorice. In general, avoid foods that can be hard on your teeth and braces. Such foods can potentially damage the braces, thus increasing the duration of the treatment.
If you engage in sports activities, it is recommended to use proper protection for your dental appliances. Sports mouthguards can be worn to keep the appliances and your teeth safe. At Harris Orthodontics, we will provide you with a complete Braces 101 guide to keep your treatment on track.
