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Getting braces as an adult can be a difficult decision to make, from the food restrictions to the appearance aspect. However, we attempt to make adult orthodontics as straightforward and easy as possible for all of our adult patients, and we guarantee that the end result will be worth it. In this article, we will briefly discuss the Tips for adults with braces
Braces aren’t exclusively for kids or teenagers anymore. Many adults wait until later in life to correct their misaligned teeth, and they must learn to live with braces. This can be a difficult shift, especially when you’re first starting out and building new habits.
The good news is that we have some orthodontist-approved advice to help you manage braces more effectively.
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Relieve Soreness
Having braces for the first week would most likely cause you some discomfort. To alleviate the pain in your jaw, use a heating pad or a warm washcloth. Your orthodontist will also provide you with a wax to put on your metal braces to help relieve the pain in your cheeks.
Watch what you eat
Be mindful of what you consume, as some food items can cause trouble with your braces. Soft foods, such as scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pasta, smoothies, and soups, should be consumed during the first few days with your new braces. To avoid discomfort or food becoming stuck in your braces, chop your food into little pieces.
Sticky and chewy foods should be avoided at all costs, as they can easily get stuck in your braces. Hard foods, such as candy and apples, might cause the brackets to loosen and the wires to break. High-starch and sugar foods can cause plaque to form around your brackets, resulting in cavities, gum disease, and discoloured teeth.
Maintain Good Dental Hygiene
Food particles and bacteria usually get trapped in spaces created by braces. This means that it’s important to maintain good dental hygiene in order to avoid unpleasant cavities and other dental problems.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, brush and floss twice a day; rinsing with antimicrobial mouthwash can also help remove stubborn food particles and destroy bad breath germs.
It’s also a good idea to give your teeth a short brush after each meal to eliminate any trapped food particles. You can carry a toothbrush in your bag to clean your teeth and braces because nobody enjoys walking around with food trapped in their teeth or braces all day!
Cold Food items can help with Soreness
Eating or drinking something cold can help relieve soreness or discomfort caused by your braces. Cold meals or drinks can have a little numbing effect, which might help to alleviate any pain you’re experiencing.
This is especially useful shortly after an orthodontist appointment, when you may be in pain from your braces being adjusted. Ice cream, frozen yoghurt, smoothies, and ice water are all excellent options for relieving pain.
Use orthodontic wax
You should see your orthodontist if your braces have been damaged by food or if your brackets or wires have fallen loose. However, there is a way you can help prevent this damage. Simply apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the affected region until you can see your orthodontist get them corrected.
Wire ends pushing into your cheeks or lips, as well as brackets scraping against the inside of your lips, can be fixed with orthodontic wax (also known as dental wax).
Simply reheat a little bit of wax between your fingers before applying it to any region of your braces that is bothering you. Just remember to take it out of your braces before eating: while orthodontic wax is non-toxic, it isn’t particularly pleasant in taste.
Saltwater Rinse to ease pain
Another helpful treatment for pain induced by braces is rinsing with saltwater (often known as a saline rinse). Saltwater acts as an antiseptic, eliminating microorganisms and reducing swelling in the affected area. In an 8-ounce glass of lukewarm water, dissolve one teaspoon of salt. Spit out the saltwater after swishing and gargling it around in your mouth for a minute or so. But be careful not to swallow the seawater!
Protect Lips from Dryness
It’s not uncommon for those who wear braces to have dry mouth and lips all of the time. Lip balm, on the other hand, can assist relieve the irritation of dry lips. Before going to bed, use a thick layer of lip balm to protect delicate lips from becoming chapped or dry.
Consider using a mouthwash that is designed to prevent chronic dry mouth and its symptoms, such as foul breath. Brands like Therabreath and Biotene sell non-prescription products that may be obtained at your local drugstore or grocery store.
Routine Visits to the Dentist
Routine visits with your orthodontist and dentist are another simple technique to prevent stains from growing on your teeth. Despite the fact that you should visit your orthodontist twice a year, your orthodontist may advise you to visit more frequently due to your braces. Ask your orthodontist for tips and advice on how to better care for your teeth while wearing braces during your routine exam.
Some people may find wearing braces as an adult daunting, but that’s okay! Any physical change, no matter how minor, might feel strange or even frightening.
However, if you remember your reasons, rock your smile with confidence, take care of your braces, and explore all of your options, the experience will be so simple that you won’t remember why you were afraid in the first place.
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