See Tips from Your San Diego Orthodontist to Protect Your Braces

Having braces can completely change your daily routine, which can be tough for kids and young teens who have to adjust to their new smile. Thankfully, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and orthodontic treatment is for the best! Your smile, no matter how old you are, deserves to be at its healthiest and happiest, which is why your San Diego orthodontist wants to make sure you’re taking care of your teeth during your treatment time.

To prevent any difficulties during your treatment time, we suggest the following:

Floss, floss, floss!

We know flossing isn’t your favorite activity. We also know that flossing can be a challenge when you’re wearing braces, but it’s the best and most effective way of preventing bacterial build-up, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Don’t be afraid to ask us about the best kind of floss to use during your treatment and the right technique on how to ensure you’re cleaning your teeth.

Avoid Hard, Sticky, or Tough Foods

The amount of candy you previously enjoyed may have to be cut down. Sweet and sticky candies are far more likely to get stuck in your braces and they’re difficult to remove, so avoiding them altogether is the best option. These sweets can also damage the wires and brackets of your braces and you don’t deserve that kind of hassle!

Utilize a New Chewing Technique

You’ll have to put some thought into the way you chew your food now. Since there are certain foods that can damage your braces, we recommend chewing with your back teeth. Avoid biting into items with your front teeth if you can and take the time to cut your food up into smaller pieces. This may seem tedious, but it lessens the likelihood of your wires or brackets becoming damaged; you’ll want to avoid these problems for the future.

Braces are revolutionary and can change the way a patient feels about their smile, boosting their confidence in a way they didn’t know they could achieve. This is why we want to help transform your smile with our services today. Call your San Diego orthodontist at (858) 481-1771 to schedule your consultation and start your journey!