Starting orthodontic treatment is an important step towards achieving an aesthetically pleasing and healthy smile. However, the success of this process is not limited to the application of braces; post-treatment care and attention are also of great importance.
What should the diet be like after getting braces?
Paying attention to dietary habits after orthodontic treatment is crucial for a healthy treatment process. Incorrect food choices can lead to problems such as broken brackets, dislodged wires, and prolonged treatment time. In the first few days, easily digestible foods such as soup, yogurt, purees, soft fruits, boiled vegetables, and pasta should be preferred.
Nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios (which can be crushed before consumption), chewing gum, Turkish delight, and sticky candies, as well as hard fruits like apples, chips, and crackers should be avoided. Foods with pits, such as olives, plums, and cherries, can be consumed after removing the pits. Consumption of acidic beverages is also not recommended.
How should oral care be maintained after getting braces?
Braces and dental appliances can cause food particles to accumulate. This increases the risk of tooth decay and gum problems. Therefore, teeth should be brushed three times a day for two minutes each time. Interdental brushes, the size recommended by your dentist, should be used to clean the areas under the braces. Additionally, flossing between teeth should not be neglected. While oral irrigators are not mandatory, they can be used as an additional method to support oral hygiene.
What should be done if the braces come off or the brackets break?
Eating hard foods can cause brackets to break or braces to come loose. If a bracket breaks but there is no stinging or discomfort, a routine dental check-up can be waited for. However, if there is stinging, pain, or discomfort, the clinic should be informed as soon as possible. If the clinic is closed, applying orthodontic wax to the affected area is recommended as a temporary solution.
How long does orthodontic treatment last?
The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary from person to person. This duration depends on factors such as the degree of misalignment of the teeth, jaw structure, the patient's age, the care they take in oral hygiene, and regular check-ups. Generally, orthodontic treatment lasts between 12 and 36 months.
