Clear braces offer a more discreet orthodontic treatment option for teenagers and adults. This treatment plan is effective for those experiencing moderate to more complicated misalignment issues. Braces of any type could take a few days to get used to, so follow your orthodontist’s tips to make the process more comfortable. Here are some tips from Palm Beach Orthodontics for adjusting to your clear braces:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
An effective way to get used to your clear braces is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. To properly brush your teeth with clear braces, rinse your mouth first to remove large food particles. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a 45-degree angle to brush around the brackets in a circular motion. Tilting the toothbrush also allows you to clean beneath the wires. Electric toothbrushes are an efficient way to brush your teeth with or without braces.
Some flossing tools, like floss picks and threaders, are made specifically for use with braces. Floss threaders are made from thin, flexible plastic with a loop on one end that holds the dental floss. They are designed to reach around wires and brackets, gently removing residual debris. Try to avoid popping the dental floss in between your teeth, as this could loosen the wires of your braces. Use soft pressure to glide the floss back and forth.
Look for floss picks that are specifically designed to work with braces. These picks come in two forms: the first has a pick on one end and a stretch of floss on the other, and the second form has a tiny pipe cleaner on the end to thread between wires and brackets. Both versions allow you to remove stuck debris, keeping your teeth and braces clean.
Stick to Your Orthodontic Schedule
Attending all of your orthodontic appointments allows you to complete your treatment on time. Depending on your specific treatment plan, your braces will need to be adjusted every six to eight weeks. These adjustments enable your teeth to shift into a correct position over time. Missing these appointments means that you may have to wear your braces longer than anticipated. If you must miss your upcoming appointment, please contact us by phone, text, or email so that we can reschedule.
Treatment times vary depending on your needs, such as the severity of misalignment and your age. Younger patients, such as children and teenagers, could see faster results as their teeth and jaws are still in the developmental phase. The average treatment time for young patients ranges from six to eighteen months.
Change Your Diet
Certain foods, like chewy candies and caramels, can cause problems with your braces. Hard or sticky foods could damage the bonding material holding your brackets in place or pull wires loose. Nuts, pretzels, and raw carrots are hard foods to avoid during treatment. While cold drinks with ice may help soothe your gums after getting braces, avoid chewing on the ice. Hold the ice in your mouth instead and let it dissolve slowly.
Foods that are safe to eat with braces include pasta, soup, and ice cream. Smoothies are also a good way to have a safe, nutritional snack. You can combine leafy greens like spinach with fruit to get an extra boost of vitamins and fiber that contribute to your overall health and well-being after getting braces. If you have any questions about dietary restrictions, our orthodontist will offer snack and meal recommendations.
Use Dental Wax
If a bracket or wire rubs the inside of your cheek, dental wax is useful for mitigating discomfort until your next appointment. Dental wax comes in a semi-opaque form, usually with perforated lines through it. These lines help you pull a small amount of wax from the pack to use on your braces.
Before using dental wax, wash your hands and brush your teeth to prevent the spread of bacteria. Take a small piece of dental wax and roll it between your fingers to warm it up, creating a tiny ball. After drying, place the wax over the area you wish to cover and rub it in to create a barrier between your mouth and the metal or ceramic material. Remove the dental wax to eat, brush, or floss, and replace it with a new application afterward.
Practice Speaking
Braces may affect how your tongue and lips move as you speak. At first, you may notice slight changes in your speech pattern and how you form certain words. To adjust to this, practice speaking more slowly. Reading aloud, singing, and repeating tongue twisters are good ways to practice speaking with your new clear braces.
Practicing speaking in front of a mirror allows you to correct your tongue and mouth posture. Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed and chin up. Keep a water bottle nearby to keep yourself hydrated, as a dry mouth could also affect your speech. Start slow and practice for a few minutes at a time. Most patients can adjust to speaking withtheir braces within a few days.
Schedule a Consultation for Clear Braces
At Palm Beach Orthodontics, we provide a variety of orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces and clear aligners. Our services are available for adults, teenagers, and younger children. Contact us today to schedule an orthodontic treatment consultation.