5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Braces

Whether you’re an adult or an adolescent, choosing braces is a pretty big decision. You’re committing to changing your appearance temporarily for lasting improvement in your oral health and the look of your smile. 

Nisha Modi, DMD, and our Miracle Smile Dental team want to help you make the most of your orthodontic treatment. At our office in Aubrey, Texas, we don’t just offer braces. We also provide personalized guidance to help make the process as fast and painless as possible for you.

While we tailor some recommendations to you, we also have some general tips. Use these tips to make the most of your braces. 

#1: Consider ceramic braces or Invisalign®

To make the most of your orthodontic treatment, you might want it to be less visible. That’s why Dr. Modi offers two options that are much less apparent than metal braces.

If you need mild to moderate orthodontic adjustment, ask Dr. Modi about Invisalign. This treatment option straightens your smile using clear plastic aligners rather than brackets and wires. (If you go the Invisalign route, most of the advice in this article won’t apply.) 

If you’re not a candidate for Invisalign, Dr. Modi can give you clear braces with brackets made out of ceramic material that matches your teeth.

#2: Carry intradental brushes

Intradental brushes look like toothpicks with tiny bristles. Whether those bristles consist of nylon or silicone, they give you a way to get into the small nooks and crannies in and around your teeth, brackets, and archwire. That means they’re a valuable tool in your oral hygiene arsenal when traditional flossing doesn’t work. 

In fact, the American Dental Association says that intradental brushes might be even more effective than floss (probably partially because people often find them easier to use). 

We recommend some intradental brushes in your bathroom at home, but you may want to carry them with you. That way, if food gets stuck in your braces, you have a handy tool to get it out. 

#3: Wear a mouthguard during sports

If you play a sport — even one that doesn’t traditionally require a mouthguard — consider putting this extra protection in place. If a ball or another player makes contact with your mouth, having a protective rubber barrier prevents the metal or ceramic of the braces from coming into harsh contact with the soft tissue of your mouth. 

#4: Keep your mouth comfortable

Braces can be uncomfortable, especially right after Dr. Modi adjusts them. But you can take some steps to ease any discomfort.

First, Dr. Modi and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen for a couple of days if you’re experiencing mouth pain after an adjustment. Choosing soft foods also helps. 

Secondly, keep some orthodontic wax handy. This wax is safe to use in your mouth. If your archwire starts poking you, you can place wax over the end. That prevents you from an unwelcome stabbing on the way to our office. 

#5: Follow our instructions

Making the most of your braces means getting a straight smile as quickly as possible. So, it’s essential to commit to the appointment schedule we recommend. This way, Dr. Modi can make adjustments to your mouth to stay on track toward straighter teeth. 

Additionally, we may provide you with elastics or headgear to wear. Stick with regular use; skipping those extra steps can add months to your treatment timeline. 

We can help you get the most out of your braces or Invisalign. To start your journey toward a straighter smile, use our convenient online booking tool to schedule an appointment or contact us at 469-765-3567 today.