Getting braces is an adjustment. Not only is there a new mechanism in your mouth that makes it difficult to speak, but you can no longer eat the way, or the things, that you used to. While there have been several dental advancements that make this adjustment to braces easier, if you truly want the best results, there are some rules to eat by.
Types of Braces
Since the late 1990s, people in need of straighter teeth have been fortunate to have a couple of options. Traditional metal braces and Invisalign are both excellent ways to reveal a beautiful, straight smile. While they both produce the same result, only you can choose what is right for you or your child. Here are some things to consider.
- Your Budget. Traditional metal braces tend to be cheaper than Invisalign.
- Your Timeline. Because braces only put pressure on the misaligned teeth, Invisalign tends to be a fast way to straighten your smile, as the trays align all of the teeth at once.
- Your Lifestyle. While metal braces aren’t the prettiest, they typically are just par for the course when you are a pre-teen and teenager. If you are an adult, however, metal braces can hurt your confidence, especially as a working professional. Invisalign is a great option for those who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention.
Changes to Your Lifestyle
No matter which option you choose, in order to get the best results you will need to adjust what you eat and drink. It may be smart to also improve your dental hygiene habits, after all, you are paying a good amount of money so you might as well do your best!
- Say ‘No’ to Sticky. When going through any dental treatment, it is wise to stay away from sticky foods such as caramel, gum, or other hard candies. In addition, these foods cause cavities and can lead to tooth decay – so avoiding them altogether is a wise choice.
- Drink More Water. Great for overall health, drinking more water will keep the bacteria in your mouth to a minimum and help you keep a healthy level of saliva.
- Brush After Eating. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice per day for two minutes each time. If you have braces, it is essential to brush after eating to keep pieces of food from getting stuck in between the metal brackets. Food that is not brushed away can cause tooth decay or even break the bracket.
- Remove Your Tray. If you are an Invisalign patient, your dentist will recommend best practices for eating with your trays. One key thing to remember is to remove your tray every time you eat to avoid damaging the aligner.
A Smile You Can Count On
At Highlands Ranch Dental Group, our team is committed to giving you a confidence boost! Whether you choose traditional braces or Invisalign, our team is happy to help you find what is right when choosing the best treatment for your specific dental needs. Schedule an appointment today so we can get you on the right track for a beautiful smile.