Starting the New Year Right
The New Year always brings new reasons to smile. And at the start of each year, it is customary to set goals and resolutions that promote healthy lifestyle changes to make each year better than the next. It is seldom that people add better oral hygiene habits to their list of resolutions; however, it is a goal to highly consider for people who wear braces.
When you have orthodontic appliances, you must upkeep proper oral hygiene, which can be challenging at times. Here are some resolutions to add to your list this new year to keep your smile shining bright:
Brush and Floss
Brushing and flossing while wearing braces isn’t always easy. However, it should be done after every meal to ensure no food gets stuck between your brackets. When food does not get dislodged, it can create bacteria that lead to tooth decay. By properly cleaning your teeth, you prevent cavities that can interrupt your orthodontic treatment.
Watch What You Eat
When you first get braces, you may experience tooth sensitivity. To protect your teeth and reduce any discomfort, you should avoid citrus, cold, and spicy foods. It is also best to only eat soft foods like oatmeal or mashed potatoes. After the sensitivity diminishes and your mouth adjusts to its new appliance, it is essential to make sure you don’t eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may break your wires or brackets. For foods like corn on the cob, apples, or even pizza, it is best to cut them into smaller pieces to prevent any breaks.
Wear Your Retainers
For those who may use Invisalign, it is easy to remove your aligners when you eat or have a special occasion. However, it is pertinent that you put them back on and wear them at all times to get the most of your treatment.
For those who may have had traditional braces and gotten them off, it is essential to wear your retainers. Retainers help keep your teeth in their new position to maintain your new, perfect smile. Although a retainer can feel like an inconvenience, make it your goal to wear it, clean it properly, and store it safely.
Straightening Your Smile at LVL Orthodontics
The team at LVL Orthodontics provides high-quality orthodontic treatments to patients of all ages. We proudly go above and beyond patient expectations by providing payment plans, complimentary consultations, and customized treatments to fit your needs and goals.
If you are looking to straighten your smile in the new year, contact us online or call our office at (469) 455-1355 today.