Braces are excellent for straightening misaligned teeth and giving you a confident smile. However, you'll need to make sure they are in the best condition to avoid the risk of developing dental problems down the road. Orthodontic treatment involves a commitment to oral care, and the following tips can help maintain braces.

Do:

Practice proper dental hygiene.

Brushing and flossing your teeth is vital to oral health, and these tasks become even more important once you have braces. Don't neglect your oral care routine, even if it requires additional effort and takes up more time. Brackets and wires can easily trap food pieces, increasing the risk of plaque buildup. Diligent brushing after every meal to remove trapped particles can prevent future dental health issues, like stains on the teeth. 

Protect your teeth while playing sports.

Braces shouldn’t stop you from continuing with activities you’ve always enjoyed. However, playing certain sports can lead to oral injuries. Always inform your dentist if you participate in these extracurriculars. They may provide you with a protective mouthguard that’s designed to keep your braces and teeth safe. 

Don’t:

Eat foods that can damage braces. 

There are certain foods you should avoid once you get braces. Hard, chewy, or sticky food can stick to, loosen, and damage the brackets. Some examples include caramel, chewing gum, hard candy, taffy, corn on the cob, ice, popcorn, and nuts. Consider cutting crunchy fruits and vegetables and tough meat into smaller bites to preserve components.

Miss your dentist appointments.

If you don’t want a disruption to your treatment plan, maintain regular orthodontist appointments. These are critical when you have braces because you'll need routine wire adjustments that ensure the teeth are aligning properly. At these checkups, a dentist will check for signs of decay or gingivitis so they can be treated before they create bigger issues. If you experience a problem or any unexplained pain, don’t wait until the next appointment to talk to an orthodontist; schedule a visit as soon as possible.

Good orthodontic care will lead to a smile you can be proud of. Lamont Jacobs Orthodontics Inc. in Fairfield, OH, offers superior orthodontic services to patients throughout Butler County and Cincinnati. No matter your age, this office looks forward to providing compassionate and expert care whether you need adult orthodontics, Invisalign®, teen braces, or braces for kids. Call (513) 829-7045 to speak with a friendly staff member and schedule an appointment. Visit them online to learn more about their treatment options.