The average person with braces will have them for about 2 years. However, in addition to taking care of your teeth when they’re being corrected, learning what you have to do before getting braces is critical for timely, successful treatment.
Keep reading this article for our top 4 tips, so you know exactly what to do before getting braces in Mississauga.
1. Ask if You Need Any Dental Work Before Getting Braces
It’s standard to have a dental cleaning when preparing for getting braces. You should also know if your wisdom teeth need to be removed. While it’s uncommon, if your wisdom teeth grow in after having your teeth straightened, they can shift your teeth.
Mention any concerns about your wisdom teeth when getting ready for getting braces to your Mississauga orthodontist to understand the best course of action.
2. Pay More Attention to Brushing Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes or longer is still one of the best things you can do for your teeth. However, having metal braces with brackets and wires may make brushing a little more difficult. Similarly, brushing might be painful after the brackets and wires are placed, or the braces are adjusted.
You’ll use either a manual toothbrush with soft bristles or an electric toothbrush when you have braces. Gently brush the chewing surfaces, fronts, backs, and sides of your teeth and your gumline. Angle the brush to get between and under the wire and each bracket individually.
Start getting in the habit of brushing your teeth after meals and be extra thorough, so it comes naturally to you once you have your braces.
3. Get the Right Supplies for Your Oral Care Routine
Since it’s recommended that you brush your teeth after meals or eating once you have braces, get a portable toothbrush and travel-sized tube of toothpaste and start carrying it with you wherever you go. After eating, find a bathroom to use where you can brush your teeth. Be cautious about germs, and don’t leave a mess if you’re using a public restroom.
As for dental hygiene supplies for home use, a water flosser also called an oral irrigator, is a device that sprays a thin stream of water at your teeth to remove food, to remove food particles and plaque. A water flosser doesn’t necessarily replace traditional flossing, but it can make brushing or using string floss easier.
You’ll need to get the string of floss up and behind the wire of your braces. Lucky for you, devices like floss threaders can make it easier to manipulate the string between your teeth and around your braces.c
4. Make Changes to Your Diet Now
Once you have braces, your diet will need to change because certain foods can damage the brackets of metal braces. The earlier you start making adjustments to your diet, the easier it’ll be later on. You’ll need to limit or get rid of foods that stick to your teeth, like caramels, gummies, chewing gum, taffy, and hard candies. Other foods that need to be avoided are jerky, corn on the cob, pizza crusts, apples (unless cut), nuts, popcorn, potato chips, and pretzels.
Even if you have clear aligners, like Invisalign®, you should limit the number of times per day you snack as you need to remove them to eat.
That’s What to Do Before Getting Braces in Mississauga
Now that you know what to do before getting braces in Mississauga, you can help ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment. Before then, better your brushing and flossing habits, talk to your dentist, get the right supplies, and make dietary changes.
Do you have questions about the things to do before you get braces? Contact our knowledgeable team at GD Orthodontics in Mississauga for answers.