Life With Braces
So, you just got your new braces! Congratulations! You are now on your way to a better smile. But there are a few tips and tricks that will make living with braces in Lake Forest, IL much easier.
1. Things to Avoid When You Have Braces
- Hard candies and nuts.
- Sticky foods.
- Chips and bagels.
- Chewing gum.
- Any foods you have to bite into (apples, corn on the cob, etc.).
- Avoid chewing your fingernails, ice, or other hard objects.
- Don’t open packages with your teeth.
2. Flossing Is Essential but Challenging
Flossing is important, but it’s difficult to do with braces. Therefore, your dentist in Gurnee, IL will show you how to use flossing threaders or how to use a water flosser to floss if you prefer.
3. Carry a Braces Care Kit
Food will get stuck in your braces. So carrying a braces care kit that contains a toothbrush, floss, floss threader, and toothpaste will help a lot.
4. Wax Is Your Friend
Orthodontic wax can be applied to the brackets to protect your lips. Your dentist will show you how to apply the wax to the brackets of your braces. This is especially helpful during the first few months of getting your braces. Just don’t forget to remove the wax before you eat.
5. Enjoy Some Smoothies and Milkshakes
Living with braces in Gurnee, IL can be uncomfortable at times. Smoothies and milkshakes are a great way, especially when you first get your braces, to help ease the discomfort of your new braces. So allow yourself to indulge in some nutritious smoothies or a good old-fashioned milkshake.
6. Don’t Use Whitening Products
Avoid using whitening products of any kind, including whitening toothpaste. Doing so will leave dark lines on your teeth where the braces used to be once you have them removed.
7. Toast Your Bread
Bread is notorious for getting stuck in braces. So if you decide to have a sandwich, toast your bread first. This will help keep the bread from getting sticky stuck in your braces.
8. Invisalign or Clear Aligners
None of these tips are relevant if you choose to use Invisalign or other clear aligners to straighten your teeth. The only thing you need to remember in that case is to remove your clear aligners before you eat and drink and that your clear aligners must be worn at all other times even when sleeping.
