Are you or your child trying to prepare for braces treatment? Whether you are getting traditional braces or Invisalign, such treatment can improve your tooth alignment and give you a better smile. Getting braces for straight teeth means making certain adjustments. Read on to learn how wearing braces can affect your regular habits.

Oral Cleaning Tools

Before braces, you used a regular toothbrush and some floss. However, you may now have to add additional oral cleaning tools to your medicine cabinet. With traditional braces, you must maneuver around the brackets and wires. Therefore, you should use an interdental toothbrush as that can go between your teeth since traditional floss may be hard to use. If you have Invisalign, you may need the Invisalign Cleaning Kit to clean your aligners daily.

Cleaning Habits

Once you have the proper tools, you must mind your oral cleaning habits. According to the American Dental Association, you should brush and floss at least twice daily. With braces, you may need to brush and floss more regularly as you do not want food stuck in your brackets or wires. If you have clear aligners, you must remove them to eat or drink. Remember to soak or brush your aligners at least once or more daily.

Diet Adjustments

Avoid hard and sticky foods when you are wearing braces for straight teeth. It is easy for such foods to get stuck in the brackets or cause your wires to break. It is best to opt for as many soft and fresh fruits and vegetables as possible. If you do like to eat crunchy fruits like apples, it is best to chop them up into small pieces. However, you should save the popcorn for once your braces come off.

Visits to Orthodontists

According to DentistryIQ, over half of teens (54%) believe metal braces would make them more self-conscious and one in two teens (50%) would smile less. While braces may make some teens or adults self-conscious at first, they may ease up as they see the results. With regular visits to the orthodontist to adjust your braces or to switch out your aligners, you will see just how well treatment works.

Getting braces for straight teeth is one of the best ways to increase your quality of life in 2024. Straight teeth can improve your smile, confidence, sleeping habits, and more. To learn more about the right braces for you, visit us at Bret Johnson Orthodontics for a consultation today.