Your orthodontist in Parramatta knows that your new braces are an investment of both time and money, so we are committed to helping you realise the smile of your dreams. The Painfree Dentistry team wants you to know that if you follow a handful of recommendations, you have a greater chance of achieving straighter teeth without sacrificing oral health or overall well-being.
Here are eleven tips for braces success from your Parramatta dentist:
- Keep your eye on the prize: your braces are part of a long process that can be uncomfortable after we make adjustments. Stay motivated through your treatment by visualising how wonderful your smile will look when done.
- Eat soft foods: your teeth may hurt for a few days after putting on braces. So you should eat soft foods and drinks such as smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes and yoghurt.
- Document your progress: while we will record before and after photos, you should also take pictures each month to monitor changes in your teeth.
- Water flosser: a water flosser will allow you to clean plaque around your wires, brackets and teeth more efficiently than traditional floss.
- Fluoride mouthwash: fluoride fights cavities while hydrogen peroxide removes surface stains and whitens your teeth.
- Avoid hard foods: you should avoid foods such as crunchy nuts, apples and carrots that may dislodge your bonded brackets.
- Invisalign tips: make sure you regularly clean your trays as they can trap bacteria and food inside and stain your teeth. Carry a case to store your aligners while eating to prevent loss and to keep them clean.
- Maintain dental check-ups: routine check-ups are essential as wearing braces increases the chances of food debris getting stuck between your teeth and accelerating gum disease.
- Adjust broken wires: loose wires may often cause cheek irritation. You can gently shift the wire into a comfortable position or cover it with dental wax until you see your dentist.
- Wear a mouthguard: speak to us about custom-made mouthguards for your teeth to reduce the chance of injury or damage to your braces.
- Patience is helpful: the first week of braces can be a little weird. For example, you might produce extra spit and swallow a lot. Also, you might notice a temporary lisp in your speech which disappears after a few days.
Braces by Your Orthodontist in Parramatta, NSW
If you have braces and follow these simple tips, you may be surprised at how your experience improves. Softer foods, cleaner teeth, and tighter wires will ensure that your orthodontic treatment results in the smile for which you’ve always hoped.
We encourage you to contact our dental clinic with any questions or if you want to learn if braces are a good choice for your smile.