If you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment in the form of traditional metal braces, there are a few tips and restrictions that you should be aware of in order to keep your braces clean and functional to provide you with a straight, beautiful smile. If you aren’t taking care of your braces in the right way, they may become damaged, which can disrupt or postpone your treatment or cause problems with your teeth.
Caring for Metal Orthodontic Braces
Below are a few ways for you to care for your traditional metal braces:
- Brush – When undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s important that you’re brushing your teeth and braces after each meal to remove food debris that may have become stuck in the wires and brackets. If you can’t brush after every meal, try to make sure you at least rinse your braces with water.
- Floss – We know that flossing has a few extra steps now that you’re wearing braces, but it’s more important than ever. Flossing is the best way to avoid gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay during your orthodontic treatment. We suggest carrying floss with you in order to remove food that becomes stuck in your teeth throughout the day.
- Be aware of your diet – After we put your braces on, you’ll be provided with a list of foods that should be avoided while wearing them. The foods below can cause damage to your teeth and orthodontic equipment:
- Sticky candies
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Tough meat
- Whole raw fruit
- Bagels
For more tips on how to properly care for your metal braces, or if you need to make an orthodontic appointment, please call Garlock Orthodontics. Our orthodontic office is located here in Aurora, Colorado.