Braces
How do I adjust to life with braces?
You probably will experience some discomfort or difficulty speaking or eating when you first receive your braces. While wearing braces, keep your teeth and brackets clean. If you wear cemented, non-removable braces, food and plaque can get trapped between the teeth and gums. To reduce your risk of cavities, follow a regimen of brushing, flossing and rinsing, and reduce your consumption of sweets and carbohydrates. Good oral hygiene may also prevent decalcification (white spots) on teeth and tooth decay.
Which foods should I avoid?
It's a good idea to skip foods that can damage or dislodge braces. Avoid hard foods such as candy, raw carrots, corn on the cob, pretzels, nuts, popcorn and crushed ice. Other foods to avoid include sticky foods such as caramel, taffy and gum. These foods can get stuck between teeth and gums or bend wires and knock bands or brackets loose. If this results in damage to braces, treatment may be extended.
Do I need to see my general dentist during orthodontic treatment?
Remember that going to the orthodontist is not a substitute for regular dental checkups. You should consult your general dentist for a schedule of checkups and cleanings that's appropriate for you.
Why we may recommend you have dental braces fitted:
- Your teeth are crooked, crowded or protruding and need to be straightened
- You have gaps between your teeth that need to be closed
- You have a malocclusion (e.g. overbite or underbite), meaning your upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly and this is affecting your bite
What types of braces are available?
Braces are custom-made appliances that use applied pressure to straighten your teeth and correct your bite. While some practitioners still favor metal braces as the most reliable, new materials and other technological advances have made smaller, less noticeable braces available. Instead of metal, you may be able to wear clear or tooth-colored ceramic braces or removable invisible aligners.