Caring for Braces

Braces are, for many young people in Hagerstown, MD, an important step in coming of age. Young teens will often wear braces to correct straightening and alignment problems that presented themselves when their adult teeth grew in. Braces can be a difficult and exciting part of growing up. They are usually a shared experience, both wearing them and finally getting them off to reveal new straight, healthy smiles. However, certain steps must be taken to ensure that braces are well taken care off and that teeth remain healthy during the alignment process. Here are a few.

First, a teenager or tween wearing braces must adjust his or her diet to prevent damage to the braces. The metal brackets and wires of braces can stand up to most food, but some food items can pose a threat to the wires and run risks of damaging the aligners and setting back the braces process. Foods that are particularly hard or sticky can break or tear wires. Damaging foods include: chewing gum, caramel, popcorn, corn on the cob, certain well cooked meat, pizza crust, and apples. Anyone wearing braces should avoid these foods or take extra care when eating them. Corn, for instance, can be cut off the cob and eaten without too much risk. Apples that are cut into small pieces also pose significantly less risk to braces. Any breaking of the braces that does occur should be reported to the orthodontist immediately so that it can be fixed as soon as possible.

Another important part of wearing braces is taking extra care to brush and floss. Braces can make brushing and flossing more difficult, which is why it is especially important that extra care is taken with teeth. Food can also become caught in the wires and brackets, and bacteria can build up around the braces and between teeth. Brushing after every meal will prevent food from staying in the braces, and flossing with special loops provided by an orthodontist allows the wearer to circumvent the wires and continue to floss all the way between their teeth. If teeth are not properly cared for, there can be a significant risk of tooth decay.

Everyone in Hagerstown, MD wants a straight, healthy smile and taking proper care of braces can help them achieve it. Avoiding potentially harmful foods and keeping teeth and Braces clean with frequent brushing and flossing can make braces a much less stressful experience. These small steps protect teeth from decay and prevent unnecessary trips to the orthodontist. That means a healthier smile and teeth that have been straightened on time.