The Dos and Don’ts of Caring for Your Metal Braces

For many reasons, getting braces may be on your agenda whether you’re an adolescent, teenager, or adult. The top reason to get braces, besides aesthetics and enhancing your smile, is to correct an overbite, according to The National Library of Medicine. If you choose metal braces, here are a few things you will need to know about caring for them, regardless of your initial reason for receiving this treatment.

The Do’s of Metal Braces Care

Do remember to floss. Flossing is imperative when you have metal braces to help remove the lodged food from your teeth. This helps lower the bacteria in the mouth and can help your overall oral hygiene. Whether you use a floss reel or a premade flosser, take it and thread it between the tooth and the brace wire and move it gently back and forth. This should be done daily.

Do brush after each meal. Brushing after every meal keeps food particles from becoming trapped in the braces. Trapped food can grow bacteria, releasing acids that can wear away the enamel and potentially lead to tooth loss and oral decay.

The Don’ts of Metal Braces Care

Don’t chew on objects, even your nails. While you may remember not to eat certain foods and avoid sticky gum, you may have a habit of pencil chewing or other habits that can be detrimental to wearing braces. Chewing on hard objects can lead to wear and damage to the wires and brackets.

Don’t eat damaging foods. When you get braces, you will get a listing of things that aren’t good for you to eat and are potentially harmful to your brace’s hardware. These foods range from hard to sticky to very chewy, all things that can lead to bracket loosening and damage to the wires. While we all love a good caramel or some taffy, it’s paramount to remember to adhere to the list so that your time with braces leads to great results.

If you have questions or concerns about the care and maintenance of metal braces, give our office a call to talk with someone. We have years of experience in orthodontia and can answer any of your questions. We’re here for you and your smile. Contact Tru Smile Orthodontics today and let us help you get started on the path to a better smile.