The time required for braces to do their work varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the problem; the amount of space available on your jaw; the distance the teeth must travel; the health of your mouth; and how closely the patient follows instructions.That last bit is where you come in!
If you are wearing braces or considering wearing braces, please read on.
- Give it time. When you first get your braces they may not be what you expected or wanted. But after a while when your teeth start shifting you will notice how good they look. The pain will also go away a little while after each adjustment.
- Stop worrying about how it looks and don’t be afraid to smile. People might not even notice, but they will surely know that you’re trying to hide something. It will all be worth it in the end. You might also want to ask your orthodontist about clear brackets. If you don’t want to draw attention to your braces, smile with your mouth closed at first. But soon you will be comfortable smiling and showing your braces! Accessorize them! Have different color bands put on; don’t be afraid to make them your own unique accessory.
- Don’t fiddle with your braces. Though they may appear strong, the wires are very flimsy and are easily bent or broken. Repairing broken braces is expensive and may prolong your treatment.
- Make sure your braces are comfortable after your office visits. Before you leave your checkups, check with your finger to make sure your wires are not poking out of the back. It is not normal for your cheek to be tearing because of a poking wire. If something is poking, your orthodontist will be more than happy to trim it and save you the pain of an agitated cheek.
- If they stick into your gums and start to tear at them, put some wax over the part that’s sticking in. Your dentist will have some you can use.
- Take pain killers to minimize the pain of braces after an adjustment. Ask your orthodontist which kind he or she recommends
- Put an oral anesthetic gel onto any sores or cuts. These can help relieve any discomfort from poking wires temporarily. Put a small amount of the gel on the end of a cotton bud. Rub the gel over any sores or cuts in your mouth. You can reapply the gel three or four times each day, few minutes before every meal.
- Don’t be afraid to call your orthodontist when your braces are bugging you.Chances are that it is a simple fix, and that is what orthodontists are there for.
- Don’t panic if a wire breaks! If the wire is sharp, use orthodontic wax. Be sure to call your orthodontist very soon. A broken wire can increase how long you have to wear your braces.
- Do as your orthodontist tells you. Have regular check-ups with your orthodontist. Don’t skip appointments when you need your braces checked! This can extend the treatment period.
- Keep your mouth clean. Better dental hygiene can allow your teeth to move into the correct position more quickly.
- Consider toothbrushing for 15 minutes a day. A recent study shows this might speed tooth movement and reduce time in braces.
- Use a rinse to clean your mouth. Dissolve half teaspoon of salt in one cup of lukewarm water. Use this as a mouthwash by swishing around your mouth for 60 seconds. Repeat this four to six times a day.
- Chop up solid foods. Cutting up foods like raw veggies, fruits, and crusty bread reduces pressure on your braces while eating and prevents them from being damaged.
- Don’t eat hard or sticky foods. They can damage your braces and also cause tooth decay. Foods to avoid include:
- Popcorn.
- Nuts.
- Chips.
- Bubblegum.
- Toffee.
- Caramels.
- Cookies.
- Make sure not to drink a lot of soda or other sugary drinks. If you do it will leave spots on your teeth and will take a while to get off of your teeth.
- Don’t chew on ice cubes. Doing so can damage your braces or your teeth.
- Don’t chew on things like pens or straws. It can damage your braces. Keep anything that isn’t food out of your mouth.
- Break habits like biting your nails or playing with the elastics on your braces.Both activities can push your teeth out of line, increasing the amount of time you have to spend in braces.
Content Courtesy: wikihow