Here at ABSC Orthodontics, we have your back, and we want to make sure your oral hygiene and confidence levels stay as high as the stars in the sky.

Braces are left on for an average of two years, but of course, each patient is unique and so the time frame will vary. During this time, you will want to be sure to take the BEST care for your newly fitted braces.

Don’t worry, living with braces on your teeth only takes a couple of weeks to get used to them, then things will get back to normal and you will feel as if very little has changed in your mouth. And one day, you’ll have an adorable, healthy, straight smile you’ll be so happy to show off to the world.

You might be wondering, “What are some tips that can help me live with braces a little easier”.

The following tips for living with braces will keep these complications to a minimum, allowing you to live your life freely while straightening your teeth:

We help 1000's of patients and have a lot of experience placing braces on both children and adults. He has talked to a lot of people about what it’s like to wear braces. At our orthodontics office, we want to give everyone the best experience possible — when you’re in our care and when you leave. That’s why we’ve gathered some useful tips you’ll need to follow while you are wearing braces.

It’s important for you to know how to take care of your teeth after braces properly throughout your entire orthodontic treatment!

Embrace the brace.

Braces used to be a bit “uncool” and there has been a bit of a stigma that surrounding them. Luckily, the times have changed, and even adults are getting into the action. Remember that braces are a spectacular invention that help us to obtain beautifully straight teeth and help to enhance that already shining smile of yours. On that note, SMILE! Don’t hide your teeth, be confident, and show off.

Eat soft foods.

Braces can be a bit uncomfortable at first. In fact, your mouth will probably be sore for a couple of days after you first get them (and sometimes after you have them adjusted). That’s why eating soft foods are going to be your best bet. Some options to choose from includes mashed potatoes, soups, oatmeal, yogurt, spaghetti, and of course everyone’s favorite, ICE CREAM!
Since we are talking about food, you should also keep in mind those foods to AVOID, such as popcorn, chips, hard candies, licorice, and corn on the cob, just to name a few. Eating such foods can cause damage to your braces, which may mean additional time with your braces on, as well as extra costs to fix them.

Keep objects out of your mouth.

This may sound a bit strange, but some of us like to chew on pens and pencils from time to time. Chewing on hard objects can damage or break a bracket or wire, leading to repair and extra costs.

Clean, clean and clean.

As with all oral hygiene, it is important to brush and floss daily to maintain a nice and clean mouth. With braces in the picture, it can be more challenging as tiny bits of foods tend to get stuck in the braces, and sometimes regular toothbrushes just can’t reach those crevices. Just remember these few tips and you should be fine:

Use an interdental toothbrush.
Mouthwash is your best friend, but use it wisely.
Make sure to floss daily to keep up with hygiene.
Avoid whitening products.
Make your own traveling cleaning kit and take it with you everywhere you go.
Don’t forget to clean your teeth and braces after every meal and snack.

Playing sports is still doable.

It is highly important to remember that if you are engaging in any physical sports to always wear your mouthguard. You want to do your best in avoiding any damage to both your mouth and your braces. If you incur an accident, make an appointment right away to assess the damages.

Check ups.

You might think that missing the occasional appointment is fine. Wrong! Failing to attend regular appointments can cause delays in your treatment and removal of your braces. Your follow up appointments are necessary in order to maintain and tighten your braces.
Take it easy. Remember that braces are not permanent, they are only temporary. The more you take care of them and follow your plan, the quicker they will come off. Enjoy the ride and before you know it, you will be amazed at the transformation.

Dr. Ron Hessamfar and his staff have been voted Top Dentist and Best Orthodontist Northern Virginia Magazine. Also, we've been nominated for Washington, DC’s Best Dentists by Washingtonian Magazine.