Braces: Tips To Keep Them in Good Shape

Getting braces is a great way to straighten your teeth so that your have a great smile for the rest of your life. However, there are a few sacrifices that come with this type of tool. Of course, you only have to deal with them for a few years and then you can do everything that you were advised not to do while wearing them. Consider a few dos and don'ts when it comes to wearing this type of appliance. 

One of the first things your orthodontist will tell you is that there are a few foods that should be off-limits while wearing braces. This is because they can get stuck in them or even break them. For example, chewy and sticky food, such as licorice and gum, may easily become stuck in the brackets, causing you to have to make a fast trip to your orthodontist to get it out. Some foods may break the brackets, such as nuts, popcorn, and ice, so stay away from these, as well. Any food that you have to bite into, such as apples and corn of the cob, are also not advised. You can still eat such foods, but you should cut them up first so that you do not risk breaking your expensive method of straightening your teeth. 

You are also advised to wear a mouthguard while playing any sports that may result in mouth damage. Such sports usually include baseball, softball, and basketball since the ball usually sails toward your face and could easily hit you in the mouth. Sports that result in you falling down or getting tackled are also risky, and usually include gymnastics, football, and wrestling. While these activities are not altogether banned while you straighten your teeth, a mouthguard is advised. On the other hand, swimming and dance are a few sports that may be less risky since there is little hard contact with your face. 

One tip to be aware of is that your braces may need to be fixed occasionally, whether you eat risky foods or play tough sports or not, so you might have to see your orthodontist for more than just checkups. This is because the wires can come loose and end up irritating your cheeks or gums. Until you can get it properly fixed by your practitioner, you can place a cotton ball over the area that causes discomfort so that you can protect your mouth. This should work until your appointment, but know that allowing parts of your braces to remain loose for long will reduce their effectiveness so that you have to wear them longer. 

Your orthodontist should let you know these tips at your initial appointment so that you know what you are getting into. Though most people find braces to be worth the trouble, there are some things that you should not do in order to keep them working properly, avoiding the need to keep them on longer than you originally expected. Following these ideas should allow you to get the best results possible.