When you’re receiving orthodontic care in the form of traditional braces, you might find that one of your biggest challenges is figuring out maintenance. You want your oral health to stay safe, you want your brackets and wires to remain in place, and you want treatment to move along as effectively as it can! As a result, you might wonder if there’s something specific you could be doing to promote such success. Of course, the answer is a big, enthusiastic: Yes! Gather up some of our tips for the help you need.

Tip: Make Some Simple Dental Hygiene Accommodations

Let’s talk details! Now that you’re receiving orthodontic care, you’ll need to make just a few accommodations to ensure you’re getting your smile just as clean as you can. Remember the following, so your braces can continue working their magic without interruption:

• Brush twice a day as usual but consider switching to an electric toothbrush
• Don’t forget that it’s important you brush after meals as well as snacks now
• Add threaders into your collection for easier flossing (ask for help with this!) and a water flosser, too, for easy cleaning

Tip: Protect Your Smile During Athletic Activities!

It’s oh so easy to keep your smile safe during athletic activities, even if you’re wearing braces as your orthodontic care system. By wearing a mouthguard, you’ll keep your teeth safe, your brackets and wires out of harm’s way, and you’ll prevent what can become some serious injury.

Tip: Watch What You Eat!

If you think it could become wound around wires and brackets, if it could damage or dislodge your orthodontic work, or if you think that it might be hard to brush and floss away, then skip it. Common problematic foods include anything crunchy, rock-hard, sticky, tacky, chewy, and the list goes on. Just use your judgment!

Protect Your Orthodontic Treatment Through Follow-Up Visits

Don’t forget that your follow-up visits with us are essential for maintaining your smile, your braces, and for continuing your treatment. Ready for your checkup in Springfield, OH? Schedule your appointment with North Spring Dental today by calling 937.399.3800.