The path towards a picture-perfect smile often needs to take the metal braces route. Though dental technologies have evolved quite a lot over the years, and traditional metal braces today are much better than the ones you might access a few years ago, there are still some lifestyle changes that come with them.
Here are the main lifestyle changes you can expect with metal braces:
Food Restrictions
Certain foods should be avoided when you wear traditional metal braces, as they can impact your treatment.
These foods can end up damaging the metal wires of the braces, which might mean you need to change them to get your teeth back on track. Some examples of these foods can include:
- Hard candy
- Chewy treats like caramel
- Hard bread or crusts
- Though meat
- Popcorn
- Apples, etc.
More Frequent Teeth Cleaning
With traditional braces, you will have to clean your teeth more often and remove food debris to prevent build-up. Otherwise, you might start noticing plaque forming, which can eventually lead to gum disease and even tooth loss.
You should be brushing your teeth after every single meal or snack to remove these food particles. Brush in a circular motion or use an electric toothbrush to make sure you get everything out.
Also, if you don’t routinely floss, after getting metal braces is a good time to start. You should floss at least once a day, preferably at night.
Consider Skipping Certain Sports
If you play rough contact sports, these are not really compatible with traditional metal braces. Rough play can damage the braces and keep you from reaching your desired outcomes.
So if you play sports such as football, wrestling, or boxing, you may have to put these activities on pause throughout your treatment.
Make Time for Appointments
With traditional metal braces, it’s always best to see your orthodontist routinely. The braces need to be tightened from time to time, and your specialist will want to make sure your teeth are on track to reaching their most optimal position.
Appearance Changes
Metal braces can be quite visible, and that, unfortunately, leads to certain problems with confidence and self-esteem. There is no shame in getting braces, but you do need to be aware that they can have a visual impact when you smile, or even when the mouth is closed as they elevate the lips slightly.
Book an Appointment at Rio Vista Family Dentistry Today
Traditional metal braces are one of the best ways to straighten your smile, but you might also have other options available. Rio Vista Family Dentistry is happy to assist you in making the best choice for the health of your teeth.
Schedule an appointment online now with Dr. Joy Bonifacio Lockwood, Dr. Raquel Reyes, or Dr. Patricia Campillo to find out your best options to get the smile you truly deserve!
