It is important to note that you can eat things like apples, corn on the cob, and crunchy chips as long as you break or cut them into little pieces before consuming them. Thinly slice the apples, remove the corn from the cob, then break the chips with your fingers.
You do not have to worry about dietary limitations if you choose Invisalign over traditional braces. Because you remove your trays before eating, you can eat any foods you choose and then replace the trays on your teeth afterward. However, when wearing the aligner trays, you must be cautious about drinking. It is safe to drink water while wearing the aligners, but you must remove them if you consume any sugary liquids or dark-colored beverages, such as coffee or tea, as they can stain the transparent aligner trays.
How long must you wear braces?
When you go to your orthodontist to get your braces put on, they will usually give you an estimate of how long you will need to wear them. The longer you wear them, the more crooked your teeth are. However, take in mind that this time frame is only an estimate. Your orthodontist may change the treatment period based on how your teeth move in your mouth due to the braces.
Traditional braces are required for most children and teenagers for roughly two years, while some lesser misalignments can be rectified in a year, and the most severe instances can take up to three years. Expect to wear your braces for six months to a year if you are an adult with braces to repair teeth that have moved slightly out of position after you had braces as a teen.
How do you maintain your teeth while having braces?
Avoiding hard foods that may cause the wires of the braces to snap is the first step in caring for your teeth while wearing braces. You should also avoid eating too many sweet foods, which can cause plaque and germs to accumulate around your braces, eventually leading to tooth damage and cavities.
Brushing your teeth takes a little longer with braces, but you must do it completely. First, brush around each brace individually with a toothbrush with a small head. Also, floss after each meal to remove food particles that become trapped in your teeth and braces. After brushing and flossing, use an antiseptic mouthwash to destroy any remaining bacteria. Most brace wearers develop the practice of carrying their toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss with them to brush their teeth after eating snacks and meals at work or out on the town.
Wearing a mouthguard when participating in sports is another crucial strategy to safeguard your braces. Look for a dentist near me that can create a custom mouthguard that fits snugly over your teeth. This way, if you get hit in the face with a ball or someone’s elbow, your braces won’t injure your cheek tissue, and the brackets won’t come away as easily. If a bracket or wire becomes loose, make an appointment with your orthodontist right away to have it repaired. In the interim, you can protect the inside of your mouth by applying wax to the sharp points of your braces.
It’s a little easier to take care of your teeth during treatment if you choose Invisalign over traditional braces. First, remove your aligners before brushing your teeth, and then brush and floss as usual. Next, clean your aligners with the cleaning kit provided by your dentist, then replace them.
