Clean Enough to Eat Off?
Keeping braces clean can be challenging. But nooks and crannies make good bacteria homes. Avoid cavities and gum problems by brushing thoroughly after every meal. Flossing may be difficult. A floss threader or special floss from the orthodontist or drugstore may help.
Beware!
Or, at least, be wary. Some foods can damage braces:
Sticky foods: Gum and gooey candies can loosen cement and damage brackets.
Hard foods: Raw carrots and apples must be cut up to avoid breaking braces.
Crunchy foods: Avoid munching braces-damaging popcorn, nuts, and corn chips.
Sweets: Avoid when possible. Brush vigilantly after eating, to stay cavity-free.
Keeping Track
Young teens may have trouble corralling extra gadgets, such as retainers, headgear, and elastics.
Count-Down to a Beautiful Smile
The average treatment time is about 24 months, but this varies with the patient. After braces are removed, retainers are often used to maintain tooth alignment. They may be worn constantly at first and then only during sleeping.
Orthodontists
Some general dentists place braces, but they are not specialists. An orthodontist trains as a general dentist. She then completes a two- or three-year orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics residency. Some orthodontists complete more case studies and exams to become "board certified."
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