Savanna Market Dental

Life with Braces: Tips for Eating, Oral Care, & Dealing with Discomfort

Braces can seem like a bother, but they don’t have to take a toll on your comfort, daily activities, and appearance. There are ways to avoid complications with your new orthodontic appliance and reap the benefits of a straighter, more beautiful smile. Your dentist in Calgary’s NE will regularly check your braces to ensure they are correcting your teeth and steering clear of any issues.

Why Get Braces?

There are multiple dental alignment problems that braces can correct.

  • Easier Brushing and Flossing – Maybe you have a hard time cleaning in between and around each tooth because they are overlapping. Braces straighten your teeth out, making them easier to brush and floss.
  • Bite Correction – A misaligned bite can make it difficult to chew, but braces can correct your bite so your teeth function as they should. You will enjoy eating everything from crispy fruit to a juicy steak after your teeth are moved into proper positions.
  • Prevent Injury – Dental injuries are more likely to happen to teeth that are protruding. This problem can be easily fixed with braces.
  • Avoid Bone Erosion – Straight teeth put an even amount of pressure on your jawbone, but when you have misaligned teeth, this may cause issues with your jaw.  When only part of your jaw is stimulated, the uneven pressure can lead to bone erosion. Loss of bone lessons the ability for your teeth to remain stable.
  • Minimizing Risk of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder – Crooked teeth can cause excess pressure on your jaw muscles. This can lead to a condition called TMJ which can cause you pain and headaches. Straight teeth make it less likely you will encounter these issues.

 

Types of Braces at a Dentist in Calgary’s NE

Invisalign™ – A Clear Way to Correct Your Teeth

 

What if you just have minor dental problems? In this case, clear aligners better known as Invisalign™ are a good treatment choice. They are more comfortable than traditional braces because wires and brackets are non-existent. The smooth surface of these aligners is made from medical-grade thermoplastic that allows you to move your mouth without your cheeks or gums catching on any metal.

 

You will have an easier time eating and drinking with Invisalign™ since they can be removed to do these activities. Just be sure to pop them right back in when you are done so you can continue with the straightening process.

 

Traditional Braces – A Tried-and-True Correction

 

For more complex dental issues, you may need traditional metal braces, but not to worry as these are a solid solution that has been around for years. Traditional braces at a dental clinic in Calgary’s NE are often the best way to correct severely crooked teeth. They can withstand a lot of pressure, so they are unlikely to break even when eating denser foods. 

 

Brushing and flossing are done normally so as not to disturb your routine, though you may need a special dental brush to get in between the brackets.

Help to Make Living With Braces Easier

All types of braces take time to get used to, but in a short period, you will adjust to them.  Things you can do to make living with braces easier or get comfortable with the process are:

  • Brush Often – Though this is something you should be doing anyway, brushing regularly helps get rid of food particles which can lead to cavities.
  • Drink Lots of Water – Consuming a lot of water will help clean your teeth to keep away plaque and tartar that can stick to your orthodontic appliance. Run your tongue along your teeth. Are they smooth or do you feel annoying little bumps?
  • Avoid Some Foods – Things like popcorn, jawbreakers, Skittles, and chips can easily get caught on your braces. This can lead to infection and complications.
  • Use Orthodontic Wax- Just a small amount of this wax can help create a protective barrier where your braces may rub on the inside of your cheeks and lips.
  • Patience – Of course, patience is the number one thing that will help you relax and be at ease with your braces. In time, any annoyance and discomfort will ease off and be barely, if at all, noticeable.

Braces – A Confident Boost

This type of orthodontic appliance from your dentist in Calgary’s NE can give you a confident smile you will be proud to show off. The benefits far outweigh the time it takes to see results. The effects of braces can last a lifetime. For any further questions, ask us at Savanna Market Dental. We are always happy to help with all your dental needs.