Life with Braces

Braces have long been the cornerstone of orthodontic treatment, offering effective solutions for correcting teeth alignment and bite issues. They consist of various components, including brackets, archwires, and sometimes elastics or rubber bands. By applying constant pressure to the teeth, braces encourage them to shift into a straighter position, correcting overcrowding, gaps, misalignment, and bite problems. 

Life with braces involves adjusting to certain habits and routines to ensure the best results. Initially, there may be some discomfort as your mouth adapts to the braces, but this discomfort typically subsides over time. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and paying special attention to cleaning around the brackets and wires is essential. Certain foods like sticky candies or hard snacks should be avoided to prevent damage to the braces. Regular adjustments are necessary to ensure your teeth are moving correctly, and following your orthodontist's instructions diligently will help achieve a beautiful, straight smile efficiently. 

Getting Start with Braces

Getting braces begins with an initial consultation, during which our orthodontist evaluates your dental health and discusses treatment goals. A personalized treatment plan is created after a thorough examination including photos, X-rays and digital imaging. Once you decide on braces, the next step involves preparing your teeth, which may include dental cleaning to ensure a healthy foundation for braces placement.

During the  braces placement appointment, brackets are bonded to your teeth using dental cement, and wires are threaded through the brackets. Initial adjustments are made to ensure proper positioning. Throughout treatment, you'll attend regular adjustment visits every 4-8 weeks where the orthodontist tightens wires or changes elastic bands to move your teeth into the desired alignment gradually. Proper oral hygiene and care, including brushing after meals and avoiding certain foods, are crucial to maintain braces and prevent issues like cavities. Once treatment goals are achieved, braces are removed, and retainers are prescribed to maintain the new tooth positions. Follow-up appointments ensure your teeth remain stable and aligned, completing the braces treatment journey with a straighter, healthier smile.

Eating with Braces

Foods to Avoid 

• Avoid sticky candies, chewing gum, caramel, and similar items that can stick to your braces and be difficult to remove. 

• Avoid hard foods like nuts, popcorn, hard candies, ice cubes, and crunchy snacks, which can break or damage your braces. 

• Chewy foods like bagels, tough meats, and certain types of bread can bend wires and loosen brackets. 

• Avoid biting into foods like apples, corn on the cob, carrots, and whole fruits, which can potentially dislodge brackets or bend wires. 

Braces-Friendly Foods 

• Opt for dairy products like yogurt and soft cheeses, which are rich in calcium and easy to eat. Soft fruits such as bananas, berries, and seedless grapes are gentle on braces and packed with vitamins. Cooked vegetables like steamed carrots and potatoes provide nutrients without challenging your braces. 

• Choose soft bread for sandwiches or wraps that won't tear at braces. Pasta dishes and rice, like risotto, are soft and easy to chew without causing discomfort. 

• Enjoy tender meats like chicken, turkey, or fish without bones. Eggs, whether scrambled or in an omelet, provide a protein-rich option that's easy on braces. 

• Opt for soft cookies instead of crunchy varieties and enjoy soft serve or melted ice cream for a soothing treat that won't damage your braces. 

Daily Maintenance and Hygiene 

Brushing Techniques 

Maintain a rigorous brushing routine, ideally brushing after every meal and snack with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle the brush at 45 degrees to the gumline and use small circular motions to thoroughly clean around brackets, wires, and gumline. Focus on each tooth individually to ensure all areas are cleaned effectively. 

Flossing with Braces 

Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to navigate under the primary wire of your braces. Gently slide the floss up and down between each tooth and under the gumline. Alternatively, consider a water flosser for easier debris removal around braces and between teeth. 

Regular Dental Checkups 

In addition to your orthodontic appointments, continue regular dental checkups. Our orthodontist can monitor your oral health and address any issues during your orthodontic treatment. 

The Benefits of Braces

Improved Oral Health 

One of the primary benefits of braces is the significant improvement in oral health. By straightening teeth and aligning the jaw, braces make it easier to brush and floss effectively. This reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues caused by plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas.

Enhanced Functionality 

Braces correct bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, which can improve chewing and speaking abilities. Proper alignment of the teeth ensures that the jaw functions efficiently, reducing the risk of jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. 

Aesthetic Improvements 

A straight, well-aligned smile can significantly enhance your appearance. Braces close gaps, correct overcrowding, and improve overall facial symmetry, boosting self-confidence. The psychological benefits of having a beautiful smile can positively impact personal and professional interactions. 

Long-Term Dental Benefits 

Investing in braces can prevent long-term dental problems. Properly aligned teeth are less prone to wear and damage, reducing the likelihood of tooth erosion and jawbone issues. By addressing misalignment early, you can avoid more complex and costly dental treatments in the future. 

The benefits of braces extend far beyond just straightening teeth and enhancing the appearance of your smile. Visit CBW Orthodontics at 2855 Candler Road, Suite #12, Decatur, GA 30034, or call (404) 243-3210 to determine the best braces option for achieving optimal oral health and a confident smile.