Are you nervous about wearing your new braces for the first time?
It’s normal to be nervous the first time you wear your braces. It might seem strange putting on, adjusting, and maintaining a mouth appliance. If you follow a few easy tips, you can avoid common wearing errors when using braces.
The first time can be strange, but wearing braces regularly becomes an easy part of your day. Be patient during the transition period and learn a few tips to avoid common wearing errors. Instead of focusing your attention on discomfort, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy your awesome new smile.
Be sure to avoid these seven braces wearing errors. Read on!
1. Not Wearing Your Rubber Bands as Prescribed
Not wearing your rubber bands as prescribed is one of the most common braces wearing errors. Rubber bands are best worn as instructed by your orthodontist in order to get the full benefit from your braces. The force from the rubber bands helps move your teeth into the desired position.
If you don’t wear your rubber bands as instructed, it can lead to longer treatment times, extra visits for adjustments, and in some cases, a repair of the outcomes of improper usage. It’s important to be diligent in wearing your rubber bands as prescribed in order to see the best result from your orthodontic treatment.
To avoid errors, always remember to wear the prescribed rubber bands, wear them the correct amount of time and ask your orthodontist to check them during your regular visits. Proper rubber band usage is essential, so keep it in mind every time you put your braces on!
2. Eating Foods That Are Off-Limits
When wearing braces, it is essential to be aware of eating foods that are off-limits. A common error that people make in relation to their braces is to eat crunchy foods. These foods can cause your braces to become loose or be thrown off and damage the applied wires or brackets.
This can lead to additional pain for the patient. It also leads to extended treatment time. To avoid this, it is advised to stick to soft and semi-soft foods, such as the following:
- Yogurts
- Soft bread
- Cooked vegetables
- Meat
If you choose to eat crunchier foods, make sure that they are cut into smaller pieces that won’t disrupt your braces. Eating correctly and correctly caring for your braces will help to ensure a successful and comfortable treatment.
3. Not Brushing and Flossing Properly
Not brushing and flossing properly is one of the most common braces wearing errors. When wearing braces, it is important to brush and floss after every meal to remove any particles of food. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as a hard brush can surely damage the gums and teeth.
An incorrect brushing technique can also cause demineralization of the tooth enamel. Flossing should be done with the help of an interdental brush or waxed floss threader to fit between the brackets to remove any particles of food that may have become stuck. Bad breath can also result from an inadequate brushing and flossing routine.
For best results, use fluoride mouthwash and fluoride toothpaste to eliminate bacteria and clean the braces. A braces cleaning routine is necessary to help achieve the desired results.
Make sure to brush and floss thoroughly at least twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste and a floss threader to get under the wires.
4. Skipping Orthodontist Appointments
Skipping orthodontist appointments can create serious problems in the long run.
Not only could the treatment time be longer, but you may also be at a greater risk of damage to the teeth and gums. One way to avoid this is to make sure that you always keep any scheduled appointments with your orthodontist.
They will be able to discuss with you the types of braces for adults and how to wear braces. They will also check your braces and make sure that they’re fitted correctly and that your teeth aren’t becoming too worn down.
Skipping appointments can delay your treatment progress or cause other problems.
5. Playing Sports Without a Mouthguard
If you play sports while wearing braces, you should wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces from damage. Not wearing a mouthguard can cause serious injury to your mouth and delay your treatment progress.
To avoid this error, make sure to wear a mouthguard whenever you play sports.
6. Using Teeth as Tools
To reduce damage to the braces, use a fingernail or pencil eraser instead of teeth when trying to open hardened material. Braces wearers should also avoid biting the lip, tongue, or inner cheek as this can damage the braces and cut the cheek and tongue. Cleaning of teeth with braces requires special brush heads and care which must be taken to avoid damage to the wires and brackets.
When eating, braces wearers should avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods, as these could cause breakage of the wires, loosen brackets, or damage other parts of the mouth. After eating, be sure to brush carefully around the brackets and wires. Wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports and sleeping to fight against night grinding or clenching of teeth.
7. Not Wearing a Retainer After Treatment
While braces are designed to realign your teeth and improve your smile, they cannot do their job unless they remain in place for the duration of the treatment.
Wearing a retainer after your treatment has concluded is essential; otherwise, the teeth may return to their original misalignment. To avoid not wearing a retainer after treatment, it helps to schedule regular check-ups with your orthodontist following the completion of your braces and to wear the retainer as instructed.
If your retainer breaks, be sure to replace it as soon as possible and take care of it per your orthodontist’s instructions. Following these steps will help you maintain your beautifully aligned smile.
Avoid These Common Braces Wearing Errors Today
Braces are an essential part of correcting your teeth and bite issues, but taking proper care of them is also essential. It’s important to be aware of the common braces wearing errors and how to avoid them. Following these tips will help you get the best outcome from your braces treatment.
Ask your orthodontist for help in understanding how to care for your braces, and always follow their instructions for the best results.
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