Feeling down because of crooked teeth? You’re not alone.
Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect your confidence and self-esteem, even if you practice good oral hygiene. Unfortunately, the way your teeth look might lead to unwanted comments that make you uncomfortable in social situations or affect your daily life.
When you visit your dentist, they may recommend dental braces as a solution to straighten your teeth and improve your smile.
Here are a few important things you should know about dental braces and how to get comfortable with them.
Advantages of Using Dental Braces
Wearing dental braces offers many benefits, both socially and for your oral health. One of the biggest advantages reported by patients is a significant boost in confidence, which often leads to improvements in social interactions and personal life.
Other key benefits include:
– Protecting your teeth from excessive wear and damage
– Improving your ability to bite and chew properly
– Correcting misaligned teeth for better oral function
– Enhancing overall dental health by making cleaning easier
In short, dental braces not only help you achieve a straighter smile but also contribute to your long-term oral well-being.
Taking Care of Your Dental Braces
Braces can bring remarkable changes for both kids and adults. They comfortably help correct crooked teeth and address issues like underbites and overbites.
However, taking good care of your braces is essential. The better you maintain them, the more comfortable and effective they will be — and the sooner you’ll be able to enjoy your beautifully straightened smile once they come off.
Get Comfortable with Your Braces
Building a good relationship with your braces is key to enjoying a positive change in your smile and life. Here’s how you can get accustomed to wearing them:
– Floss gently around your braces. While flossing might feel tricky or even a bit uncomfortable at first, it’s the best way to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems. Spending just a few minutes a day on this will help keep your teeth and gums healthy until your braces come off.
– Avoid sticky or hard foods. We know it’s hard to give up favorite treats like toffee or chocolate, but sticky and hard foods can break your brackets or wires. It’s safest to avoid these foods while wearing braces.
– Chew with your back teeth. Taking big bites with your front teeth can put your braces at risk of damage. Instead, cut your food into smaller pieces and use your back teeth to chew safely.
Know the Different Types of Braces
You have several options when it comes to choosing the type of braces that suit your needs and lifestyle. These include:
– Metal braces (traditional braces): The most common and effective type.
– Ceramic braces: Similar to metal but less noticeable because they blend with your teeth.
– Lingual braces: Placed behind the teeth, making them invisible from the front.
– Invisalign: Clear, removable aligners that offer a discreet way to straighten teeth.
If you’re looking for expert orthodontic care in Michigan, Lakewood Dental Smile is a trusted clinic that offers a full range of dental treatments including cosmetic dentistry, root canal therapy, dental implants, oral and maxillofacial surgery, gum and bad breath treatments, and dental braces.
