To keep your braces in the best shape, and keep your treatment time on\ntrack, follow these DOs and DON\u2019Ts for as long as you\u2019re wearing braces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nDos and Don\u2019ts of Braces<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do <\/strong>continue to brush your teeth regularly. Brush at\nleast three times a day; it\u2019s even better if you can brush after every meal and\nsnack, so that food doesn\u2019t get caught in your braces. It\u2019s important to keep\nboth the surface of your teeth and your braces clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t<\/strong> forget to floss. While flossing is more\ninvolved with braces, it\u2019s still incredibly important in keeping your teeth and\ngums healthy, and it shouldn\u2019t be ignored. Use a floss threaded (a small loop\nmade of plastic) to guide the floss behind the wire so you can floss fully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do <\/strong>follow your orthodontist\u2019s instructions, including\nwearing elastic bands (if you have them) for the hours prescribed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t<\/strong> skip orthodontic appointments. It\u2019s important\nto see your orthodontist regularly during care. If you skip appointments, you\ncould be adding time onto your treatment, and no one wants that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do<\/strong> tell your orthodontist if you\u2019re involved in\nsports like football, rugby, and hockey, so you can get a protective mouth\nguard fitted to protect your braces and your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t<\/strong> worry if you feel mild discomfort after an\northodontist visit. Tightening braces can lead to mild, temporary pain that\nwill go away on its own or can be treated with an over-the-counter painkiller.\nIf a wire is poking into your cheek and causing discomfort, use wax on the end\nto make it more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do<\/strong> call your orthodontist\u2019s office immediately\nif a bracket comes loose. This is something that should be fixed sooner rather\nthan later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t<\/strong> skip regular dentist visits while you\u2019re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Keeping your teeth clean is important, so schedule visits every six months while your braces are on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do avoid foods that can harm your braces or can be very difficult to clean, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t <\/strong>chew on pens, pencils, fingernails, and other objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do<\/strong> smile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n WHAT YOU NEED TO DO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When wearing braces, it is important to follow specific guidelines and instructions. As annoying as they may be, these instructions are crucial to an effective treatment and keeping everything on track. While wearing braces, remember to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Along with a list of instructions for what you need to do, there is a list of instructions for what you must not do when wearing braces. If you are wearing braces, then remember to not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n