At Innovative Orthodontic Centers, we combine the high-tech SureSmile system with self-ligating braces. So, our Shorewood and Naperville braces patients can straighten their teeth a lot more quickly and comfortably. However, that being said, having brackets and wires in your mouth does take a little getting used to. That’s why we’re sharing some of our favorite braces hacks and things to make wearing braces easier.
Invest in an Awesome Electric Toothbrush
Patients sometimes ask for tips for braces to work faster and one of the ways you can ensure you sail through treatment is by keeping up amazing oral hygiene. Teeth move more efficiently in a healthy oral environment and cavities and other issues can cause a setback in your treatment time. Since braces tend to trap food debris and plaque, brushing with braces is super important. In addition to nighttime flossing, brush in the morning, at night and after meals and snacks using non-whitening, fluoride toothpaste. A quality electric toothbrush will get your teeth squeaky clean in a way that a manual toothbrush just can’t match. In fact, once you switch to an electric toothbrush, you probably won’t ever go back.
Try a WaterPik Flosser
A water flosser isn’t mandatory when you have braces but consider it one of our braces hacks because it’s a simple way to get teeth extra clean. You’ll still want to floss as you normally would but adding a water flosser to the mix will help get rid of any stubborn plaque or food stuck in your brackets and wires.
Use an Interproximal Brush
Proxy brushes are those tiny toothbrushes you’ve probably seen in the oral hygiene aisle. They’re extremely small and meant to get into tight spaces, making them ideal for cleaning around your brackets and under your wires. They’re available in travel packs, so you can take them with you on the go.
Carry Orthodontic Relief Wax With You
Orthodontic relief wax is one of the things to make wearing braces easier during the first week or two. When you get your braces put on, sometimes, the hardware can irritate your lips, cheeks and tongue until your mouth gets used to the appliance. Break off a small piece of wax, roll it into a ball between your fingers to warm it up and then place it on the area of your braces that’s bothering you. It will act as a buffer and protect the inside of your mouth. Wax can also come in handy if you have a braces emergency like a poking wire or loose bracket.
Get Specialized Floss
Another of our braces hacks is to use an orthodontic flosser or a product like Super Floss. These tools are designed especially for helping you floss with braces and they’re a lot easier to maneuver than regular dental floss. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with using standard floss but believe us, a specialized product will simplify things.
Put Together a Travel Kit
Like we mentioned, you’ll want to brush after meals and snacks and sine you’ll probably be at work, school or out and about during many of your daily meals, bringing a travel kit with you wherever you go is one of the best tips for having braces. Besides, who wants to unknowingly have a piece of broccoli stuck in their bracket? Toss a travel toothbrush, proxy brushes, floss, a small mirror and orthodontic wax in a toiletry bag and make a habit of keeping it in your book bag, your car or your desk at work.
Choose AcceleDent®
At Innovative Orthodontic Centers, we’re the #1 AcceleDent provider in the world! Of all of the tips for braces to work faster, AcceleDent is the most effective. Dr. Gin and Dr. Ibrahim can add AcceleDent Optima to your braces or Invisalign and cut down your treatment time by up to 50%! When you use the portable, hands-free device for just 20 minutes per day, your teeth will move nearly twice as fast, you’ll experience less discomfort and you may even get better results.
Stock Your Fridge and Pantry With Braces-Friendly Food
Stocking up on braces-friendly food before you even get your braces put on is one of our favorite braces hacks. This way, you won’t even have to think about it and you won’t feel tempted by foods you should avoid like popcorn, caramel, nuts and other things at are really hard, sticky or chewy. Your teeth will feel a little sensitive when you first get your braces put on and after adjustments, so opt for soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, steamed veggies, ripe fruit and soup.
Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports
Consistently damaging your appliance can cause your treatment to go off track. Not to mention, it doesn’t feel great to get hit in the mouth when you’re wearing braces because the brackets can cut your cheeks and lips. That’s why no list of tips for having braces would be complete without a mention of wearing a mouthguard. Whenever you’re practicing or playing sports or doing any kind of physical activity where you could sustain an injury to your mouth, put your mouthguard in. Remember as your teeth move, a “boil and bite” mouthgaurd will not fit properly. Look for one that adapts to your changing tooth position, such as Shock Doctor.
We hope our braces hacks will make your orthodontic treatment a breeze! For more details or to find out your options for Shorewood or Naperville braces treatment, book a free consultation at Innovative Orthodontic Centers today!
