Everything You Should Know About Caring for Your Braces

Braces are an investment, but they are worth the money and time as long as you take good care of them. In this post, we offer tips on how to keep your braces in optimal condition.

Dr. J.A. Duval and his team at Duval Orthodontics, located in Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia, have the skills to help you achieve the smile you deserve. He has the training and knowledge required to make sure your braces offer optimal results.

Braces 101

Braces are considered a dental appliance. They straighten and realign your teeth over time. Most people get braces during their teen years, but many adults also benefit from them.

Some of the issues that braces can correct include:

Overcrowded teeth
Crooked teeth
Gaps between teeth
Overbite
Underbite
Alignment problems with your jaw

The average treatment time with braces is about 12 months, but that can vary depending on the extent of your alignment issues. No matter how long you need to wear your braces, taking good care of them is essential.

Hygiene matters

Your oral hygiene routine is always important. It’s even more essential with braces. If you consider all the tiny nooks and crannies available for bacteria to hide when you have braces, you can understand why.

Brush your teeth and braces twice a day. And although it can be tricky, you need to floss daily as well. We can help you perfect your flossing routine to make it easier.

Our staff often recommends using an oral irrigator, commonly called a water pick, to help with your oral hygiene routine.

Use the right products

Toothpaste is toothpaste, right? Not exactly. When you have braces, look closely at the labels on mouthwash, toothpaste, and floss, along with any other oral health products you use. Some options contain ingredients that could potentially damage your braces.

For example, some mouthwashes can discolor your braces. We’re happy to make recommendations if you find labels difficult to read or confusing, or if you’re simply not sure what the best product for your situation is.

Change what you eat

One of the most difficult aspects of having braces is adjusting your diet. Avoid foods such as:

Popcorn
Nuts
Ice
Chewing gum
Hard candy
Chewy candy
Pizza crusts
Bagels and other hard rolls
Crunchy fruits and vegetables
Hard crackers
Pretzels
Chips

Along with those foods, which can damage your braces, avoid sugary beverages and snacks. Bacteria love sugar, and consuming excess sugar can quickly cause plaque to build up.

Keep your appointments

One of the best ways to make sure your braces are well-cared for and doing their job is to see Dr. Duval regularly. Our staff is here for professional cleanings and routine orthodontic checkups. We’re here in the event of emergencies, too, so if your braces break or come loose, call us.

Schedule your appointment at Duval Orthodontics today and find out how you can love your smile.