Orthodontic treatment at OMI Orthodontics is a rite of passage for many people, signifying a dedicated effort to transform one’s smile. The process involves more than just having the hardware installed; it demands a commitment to effectively care for your braces and oral health. One must correctly follow the steps of braces care during their treatment to ensure efficient treatment time and the best possible results. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of proper braces care in Fort Wayne, IN, enabling you to nurture a healthy smile during and after your orthodontic journey.
Understanding Braces
Before we tackle the nitty-gritty of braces care, it’s crucial to understand what braces are and how they work clearly. Braces are orthodontic devices that straighten and align teeth using continuous pressure to move them into the desired position.
Types and Functions
There are four types of braces we offer at OMI Orthodontics.
Each type serves specific purposes depending on the severity of the misalignment, aesthetic preferences, and lifestyle considerations.
Initial Discomfort and Adjustments
The first few days after getting your braces can be uncomfortable as your mouth adjusts to the foreign objects and their pressure on your teeth. You can expect regular adjustments where Dr. Joel Johnson or Dr. Marcus Dager tightens wires and makes other modifications to continue the tooth-moving process.
Daily Care Routine and Dealing with Discomfort
Adopting a meticulous daily care routine is crucial to avoid issues such as decay, staining, and the development of gum disease during orthodontic treatment.
- Brushing and Flossing Techniques: With braces, brushing and flossing can be a bit more complicated, but cleaning your teeth thoroughly is even more critical. Interdental brushes, floss threaders, and proxy brushes are excellent tools for reaching areas around brackets and wires that traditional methods might miss.
- Dietary Restrictions and Tips: Certain foods can damage your braces or lead to oral health problems. Avoid eating sticky or hard candies, popcorn, and chewy foods. Opt for softer, braces-friendly foods, and always cut items like apples or corn off the cob before eating them.
- Managing Soreness and Irritation: Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater or using over-the-counter pain relievers can help with initial discomfort. Eating soft foods and using orthodontic wax to cover the irritating areas can provide relief.
- Orthodontic Wax and Pain Relief Methods: Orthodontic wax can be used over brackets and wires to create a smooth surface and reduce rubbing. Dr. Joel Johnson or Dr. Marcus Dager may recommend orthodontic pain relief gels or numbing agents for more severe pain.
Emergency Situations
Sometimes, unexpected issues with your braces may arise, and it’s essential to know how to handle these situations until you can see your orthodontist.
- Loose Brackets or Wires: A loose bracket or wire can be uncomfortable and a potential hazard for oral health. You can temporarily use orthodontic wax to secure a loose bracket and dental wax or sugarless gum to hold a wire in place until you can get professional help.
- Injuries or Accidents: In the case of a more severe injury, such as a broken wire that could hurt your cheek, attempt to push the wire out of the way with the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-tip. If that doesn’t work, cover the protruding end with a small cotton ball, a piece of orthodontic wax, or a gauze until you can see Dr. Joel Johnson or Dr. Marcus Dager.
Braces Care in Fort Wayne, IN
Proper care of your braces ultimately leads to successful treatment outcomes and a confident smile. Engaging in a rigorous braces care routine may seem daunting at first. Still, as you settle into the rhythm of cleaning, maintaining, and adapting to your braces, you’ll find that it becomes second nature – a stepping stone to achieving the smile you’ve always dreamed of. So, are you ready for the next steps in caring for and enhancing your smile? Please schedule a consultation with our team today to see if braces are a solution for you!
Remember, patience and persistence with your care will pay off in the end, leading to a beautiful, healthy smile that shines with the commitment you’ve shown throughout your orthodontic journey.