Caring For Braces

Keeping braces clean and properly taking care of them isn't too difficult of a task. With a little bit more time and effort, you will have a much better experience wearing them and you'll be happy with the results your orthodontist can provide you.

Braces are not indestructible. An orthodontist needs to bind the materials so they are strong enough to stay on but easy enough to come off when it comes time for removal. Certain foods can damage the braces and bend the wires. Other foods will simply get stuck and it won't be easy to get it out. Hard foods are a definite no. Don't chew on ice, hard candies like Jolly Ranchers, and hard chips. Foods like carrots, apples, and pears can be eaten but should be cut into small pieces. Pizza crust, bagels, and French bread should also be cut into bite size pieces. Although this will be heartbreaking for some, gum of any kind is out. Chewy and sticky foods like taffy and caramels need to be avoided. Popcorn isn't the best food to eat, but you'll be okay if you stay away from the hard kernels at the bottom of the bag. Corn on the cob and meat on bones should be sliced off as well.

Avoiding this list of foods will make brushing and cleaning your teeth and braces a lot easier. First begin by brushing the outside of your teeth. The toothbrush should make a 45 degree angle toward the gum line. Clean the head of the tooth and the gum first and then work on the top of the teeth. Try to focus on a few teeth at a time. Next work on the inside surfaces of the teeth, again cleaning a few each time. Also make a 45 degree angle towards the gum line. Lastly, brush the chewing side of all your teeth.

Flossing is a bit tricky but it has to be done. Just like pulling a thread through a needle, you'll have to pull the floss under the wire that connects the brace together. Then wrap the floss around the tooth on one side and floss back and forth around the tooth, pulling down toward the wire. Repeat a few times to ensure all plaque is removed, but don't put too much pressure on the wire. This will take a bit more time then normal but you'll be happy to know your teeth are very clean.

Those who take excellent care of their teeth might be glad to hear that your length of treatment might be shorter. Take good care of your teeth and braces and your orthodontist may find you ahead of schedule.

---

About the Author:
Need a New York orthodontist? Check out House of Orthodontia — Dr. Mani Alikani is a Board Certified NYC orthodontist and will take good care of you and your teeth.

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Tags: orthodontics nyc , braces nyc , invisalign nyc , orthodontist nyc , orthodontist brooklyn , orthodontics ny , braces ny , orthodontist new york , new york orthodontis

|

Recent Health Articles

• With Proper Weight Loss Management You Can Be Healthy And Lose Stomach Fat By: William Burnell | May 27th 2012 - We all know our modern lifestyle makes us fat. In fact, we have never been fatter. Obesity is the fastest spreading disease in the western world and in spite of all the research and all the warnings it continues to grow. You have to conclude people like to be fat. May ...
Tags: weight loss management, lose stomach fat, stomach fat, be healthy, healthy lifestyle...
• Keep The Air In Your Home Clean By: Lawrence Reaves | May 27th 2012 - There is little you can do to stop external air entering your home; indeed it is totally essential that air from outside does circulate.
Tags: home, house, air quality, air purification, health...
• Elliptical Trainers And Getting Your Elliptical Workout With One Of Them By: Nino Dan | May 27th 2012 - If you work out on an elliptical for a short period of time each day, you will definitely be in shape. You will not have to worry about having to incorporate any kinds of other exercises because you will be getting a full body workout on your elliptical trainer.
Tags: elliptical, elliptical trainer, elliptical trainers, elliptical workout, health...
• Eyesight Damage Can Affect Mobile Phone Users By: David K Rice | May 27th 2012 - Why we all need to be careful when using mobile phones for prolonged periods of time
Tags: travel, technology, cellphones, holidays
• How To Get Over Your Drug Abuse Problem In 3 Simple Steps? By: Michael Henderson | May 27th 2012 - If you are searching for help with a substance abuse problem, you've probably wondered about what the simplest way of going about it would be. There're a few steps that are essential for a recovering addict.
Tags: drug abuse program, drug abuse treatment center, treatment for drug abuse, treatments for drug abuse, drug treatments...
• Put An End To Snoring By: Tommi Wunsion | May 27th 2012 - Have you come across people snoring?
Tags: snoring, remedies, obesity, health, elevated...
• How To Get Rid Of Cellulite Naturally At Home By: Luke7 | May 27th 2012 - If you are a women over 30, it's believable that you get cellulite. Whether you've had children or not, your body is prospective senescence a bit and the pare in the areas that women typically score cellulite tends to wisplike, which causes the jolting areas of the em ...
Tags: ionithermie cellulite reduction program, lose cellulite fast
• 3 General Teeth Whitening Suggestions By: boy0rjtdch | May 27th 2012 - {Have you ever dreamed of having a whiter smile? Why would you want otherwise? Even people with perfect teeth want their smiles to look better. Some people think that the only way to whiten their teeth is through professional dental treatments. You should know that th ...
Tags: cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, dental Implants...
• Plastic Surgery - What Men Want, What Women Want By: Julianne Kleinman | May 27th 2012 - A quick look at today's trends in plastic surgery.
Tags: plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift...
• Running Tips - Avoiding Achilles Tendonitis By: Judy Mick | May 27th 2012 - Your Achilles tendon is the band of tissues that connect the muscles in the back of your leg to your heel. Sometimes this band of tissues can become inflamed which can result in Achilles tendonitis. This can be extremely painful in runners. Read on to find out what ma ...
Tags: achilles tendonitis, running tips, Judy Mick

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!