Everything You Need to Know About Braces

Braces are the most common form of orthodontic treatment in Orlando. Crooked or misaligned teeth are difficult to care for and are at greater risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease because of the position of the teeth. Additionally, misaligned teeth can cause issues with self-confidence. If you are interested in receiving braces in Orlando, there are a few things you should consider.

When are Braces Needed?

The first step is to determine if you need braces. When you visit an Orlando orthodontic clinic, your teeth will be examined to determine the type of misalignment issues and a proper treatment plan. Take the time to learn about who can benefit from braces below:

•    Patients with an overbite: the upper teeth protrude forward over the bottom teeth.

•    Patients with an under bite: the bottom teeth protrude forward or the upper teeth are too far back.

•    Patients with a cross bite: the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

•    Patients with an open bite: the teeth do not align properly when the jaws are closed.

•    Patients with spacing: there are gaps or spaces between the teeth.

•    Patients with crowding: the teeth overlap each other.

How Do Braces Work?

Braces consist of, bands, wires, and brackets. The bands are fixed around the teeth and the brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth. The archwires pass through the brackets and attach to the bands. Every several weeks your Kissimmee dentist will tighten the archwires, which causes tension. As a result, the teeth will move into their proper positions over time.

Adult Braces

Age should never hold you back from achieving a properly aligned smile. Although it is more common for children and teenagers to wear braces in Orlando, adult orthodontic treatment has grown popular in recent years. Many adults are looking to enhance their smile, without veneers or crowns.

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Patients with braces in Orlando are required to spend extra time brushing and flossing. This is because the metal brackets can make it more difficult to clean your teeth and cause food particles and debris to get caught in the mouth. Begin by removing attachments like elastics and bands before you brush. Next, carefully brush each wire and tooth. Then, thread the floss under the main wire to reach each set of teeth. It is best to use waxed floss with a floss threader for easier access to the teeth.

What to Eat and Not to Eat With Braces

When you have braces, it will place limitations on your diet. This is because certain foods can damage your braces. Take the time to learn about which foods options are beneficial during your treatment and which are not.

Approved Foods:

• Fruit: Eating crunchy fruit like apples can damage your brackets. You can still enjoy this healthy snack just opt for soft fruits instead, like berries.

• Vegetables: Raw vegetables like carrots and broccoli are difficult to chew. For a softer texture, cook or steam your vegetables and eat leafy greens.

• Grains: Whether they are cooked or baked, grains can get wedged between your braces. Try cutting them into smaller pieces instead.

• Dairy: Enjoy these calcium-rich products but be wary of certain cheeses which can get caught underneath your braces.

Foods to Avoid:

• Meat: Be careful when you eat meat, especially if it is off the bone. Stringy cuts of meat can damage your braces or get caught in between them. Choose tender cuts of meat instead and cut them into smaller pieces.

• Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are nutritious, but they can be disastrous when it comes to your braces. Try butter and ground seeds instead. These alternatives won’t make cleaning your braces difficult or bend your wires.

• Candy: Avoid hard and sticky candies at all costs. They can break brackets of your teeth and damage wires.

Replacing a Bracket

If you lose a bracket, visit your Orlando orthodontic clinic as soon as possible. For all other brace related issues, consult with your dental provider.

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