Three Ways to Care for Your Teeth with Traditional Braces

Traditional metal braces have helped countless people straighten teeth and achieve a more confident smile. While the process of wearing braces can come with some challenges, knowing how to care for your smile can make a world of difference when it comes to results.

Whether you're already wearing braces or planning to get them, this guide will highlight three top ways to keep your braces in good condition. Call Life Dental & Orthodontics now to book a consultation in Walnut Creek, CA. Dr. Brian J. Hockel is dedicated to providing excellent orthodontic care.

What causes crooked teeth?

Before diving into our top tips for keeping your teeth healthy with braces, let's discuss what causes crooked teeth in the first place. You might think the cause is genetics, but it's not! As you grow, your tongue, lips, and cheeks provide powerful forces to shape how much room your teeth will have (or not) to line up correctly. The more you keep your lips together, your teeth together, and your tongue to the roof of the mouth, the better! We call this "ideal oral rest posture," and it helps your palate grow nice and wide, giving your teeth plenty of room and improving your overall health. While the main cause of crooked teeth is poor oral rest posture, other contributing factors could be habits like thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and excessive use of pacifiers or bottles during early childhood. Traditional metal braces and other orthodontic treatments can correct misalignment and give patients a straighter, healthier smile.

Now that we know the underlying causes of crooked teeth, let's explore some ways to maintain proper oral hygiene.

1. Practice brushing and flossing

Food particles can get trapped between metal brackets and wires, so you'll need to take extra time to keep your teeth clean. Here's how to clean braces effectively:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush at least twice daily. Make sure to target all surfaces and around every bracket
• Invest in an interdental toothbrush (also called a proxy brush) to clean between your brackets and wires more effectively
• Floss daily using braces-specific floss threaders or water flossers to remove debris from hard-to-reach places

2. Choose braces-friendly foods

While traditional metal braces are an effective way to straighten teeth, they're also delicate, which means certain foods can cause damage to the brackets or wires. To protect your braces in Walnut Creek, CA, avoid these common culprits:

• Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum, which can pull brackets off or stick to wires
• Hard, crunchy foods like nuts, popcorn, and raw carrots
• Sugary snacks and sodas increase the risk of plaque buildup around braces

Making smart food choices will help you breeze through your treatment and avoid unnecessary trips to our office for repairs.

3. Don't skip your orthodontic appointments

While knowing how to clean braces is essential, regular orthodontic care is equally important for successful treatment. During these appointments, Dr. Hockel will provide the following:

• Check for issues or discomfort with your braces
• Make necessary adjustments to keep your teeth moving in the right direction
• Monitor your progress and make any necessary changes to your treatment plan

If you experience any problems between appointments, like a loose bracket or poking wire, don't hesitate to contact us. Dr. Hockel can help you stay comfortable and keep your treatment moving forward.

Straighten teeth with braces today

Caring for your teeth while wearing traditional metal braces doesn't have to be complicated. By practicing good oral hygiene, choosing braces-friendly foods, and staying consistent with your orthodontic appointments, you'll be on your way to a straighter, healthier smile in no time.

Whether you're looking for orthodontic care or want to know how to clean braces, Dr. Brian J. Hockel is here to guide you at each step. If you have questions about braces or want to learn what causes crooked teeth, schedule a consultation with Life Dental & Orthodontics in Walnut Creek, CA. We're passionate about helping you achieve your dream smile.