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Getting Braces in Murphy as an Adult? Take Note of These Tips!

July 7, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — drnguyen @ 8:26 pm

An adult wearing braces.Braces are often associated with teenagers in high school, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it to get your bite or teeth corrected. Straighter teeth are much easier to clean and a healthy bite will prevent issues related to temporomandibular joint disorder later! Therefore, having braces for a couple years is more than worth the long-term cost of dealing with other issues later in life.

To keep your spirits up and stay on track, take note of these tips when you start wearing your braces in Murphy.

Embrace Your Smile

If you’re feeling self-conscious about your new appearance, don’t spend hours looking in the mirror at your wires and brackets. Instead, take this opportunity to smile more often! Once you finish treatment, you’ll want to start getting used to it, so why not practice now? Think about how you’re doing not only your future self’s appearance a big favor, but your future self’s oral health a favor as well.

When you’re on a date or speaking with someone else, don’t bother mentioning your braces. Wearing braces only proves how much you care about investing in your oral health.

Keep a Toothbrush and Box of Floss Nearby

Foods can easily get caught into your hardware, even if it’s something you wouldn’t expect to (think of that soft whole wheat bread from your sandwich you eat for lunch every day.) By having a toothbrush and box of floss on you, it’s easy to head to the bathroom and remove it. This will also work to prevent decay from developing underneath your brackets.

Pay Close Attention to Your Diet

To minimize food getting caught into your braces, you’ll want to either reduce your consumption of certain foods or prepare them in a way that makes them easier to chew. Crunchy breads or apples should be cut into smaller portions so you don’t have to bite directly into them. Avoid foods that are particularly starchy or sticky, which can easily get caked into the hardware and increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. You don’t want to have the braces come off only to see stains and decay after all your waiting.

Master Your Oral Care

Daily oral care is very important while wearing braces. Plaque and bacteria can easily get around the hardware itself, not just on the surface of your teeth and gums. Always keep these steps in mind when brushing:

  • Consider purchasing tools designed for cleaning braces, including an interdental toothbrush, water flosser, and fluoridated mouthwash for extra protection.
  • Start by rinsing your mouth out with water to loosen food debris.
  • After rinsing your toothbrush with hot water and applying toothpaste, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle when brushing.
  • Brush all the surfaces of your teeth, the gum line, and the inner workings of the hardware.
  • When flossing, thread the floss underneath the archwire to reach the brackets, then between each tooth.

If you’re looking for more tips on managing your orthodontic treatment as an adult, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist in Murphy!

About the Author

Dr. Jacquie Nguyen earned her DDS degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. She treats young and old patients alike for orthodontic care, so you can get exactly the advice you need when you visit for your regular adjustments and cleanings. To learn more about her practice, you can contact her through her website.

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