5 Mistakes with Wearing Braces and How to Avoid Them
Are you worried about making mistakes when you wear braces?
Believe it or not, children and adults alike make mistakes when they wear braces. You might not know what the best ways to wear braces are so you can keep them clean and safe. Surprisingly, you may also wonder if wearing your retainer is a mistake.
Don’t worry; we are excited to tell you that many of these common mistakes with wearing braces can easily be avoided! Keep reading to learn more about what you should and shouldn’t do to extend the life of your braces.
1. Failing to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Wearing braces can be a big mistake if you don’t take care of your oral hygiene. You can end up with permanent damage to your teeth and gums if you are not careful.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. Then, you should be extra careful when brushing around your braces, so you don’t damage your gums. Use a soft toothbrush to avoid scratching your braces.
2. Removing Elastic Bands
If you’re wearing braces, it’s very important to avoid removing the elastic bands. Doing so can cause the braces to become loose and fall off, which can be very painful.
It can also cause the teeth to become misaligned. Make sure the elastic bands are not too tight. They can cause the braces to damage if they are overly tight.
3. Eating Restricted Foods
If you have braces, it’s important to be careful about what you eat to avoid damaging your teeth or wires. Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can break brackets and bend wires.
Foods high in sugar can lead to cavities. Acidic foods can dissolve the glue that holds your brackets in place. Stick to softer foods like cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, and soups.
You can also cut your food into smaller pieces and take smaller bites. Or check this page on food for braces to get some idea.
4. Skipping Dental Appointments
Determining a dentist with whom you are at ease is important, and you should keep all of your scheduled appointments. You will need more regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist if you have braces. To have your braces adjusted, you might also need to visit an orthodontist.
Missing dental appointments increases your risk of developing cavities and other issues. Therefore, be sure to maintain good dental hygiene and visit your dentist consistently.
5. Choosing the Cheapest Treatment
Choosing the least expensive course of treatment is one of the worst mistake people may make when it comes to their teeth. The cheapest option is usually not the greatest option, in the long run, hence this is typically a false economy.
The DIY (Do It Yourself) method is commonly the cheapest option when it comes to braces, but this might result in a variety of issues in the future. So, if you and your children are interested in improving dental health, you might need to visit your family dentist.
Avoid Mistakes With Wearing Braces
It is important to be proactive and understand the possible risks and complications associated with wearing braces. By doing so, you can avoid making common mistakes with wearing braces that can cause problems down the road. Be sure to consult with your orthodontist about the best way to take care of your braces and your smile.
To know more about teeth issues, visit our blog.
