While very few people enjoy having braces, many will have to have them at one time or another, in order to correct their tooth alignment, spacing and other issues. The good news is, once you get through the braces process, your smile will be more beautiful than ever before.

The first step in embracing your braces is to be patient and allow yourself time to get used to them. You may not like the way they look, but just keep reminding yourself how amazing your teeth will be once the braces have done their job.

As time goes by, you will become more comfortable with the look of your braces as well. If you know you will be extremely self-conscious about having a mouth full of metal, then you can inquire about clear brackets.

Smiling with your mouth closed can be a temporary solution, but eventually, you will probably grow weary of hiding your braces. They are nothing to be ashamed of, so you might as well go ahead and let them show. A genuine happy face will usually be more attractive than an awkward smile of someone who is trying to hide something, braces or no, so go ahead and let them shine.

You may also find that the braces cause you pain in the teeth and gums at first, but after a while, that pain will start to be less. As the teeth move and shift, you will be happy with the difference, and the pain will not be as noticeable.

Right after an adjustment, you may want to take some over-the-counter pain killers to dull the pain. You can also use wax on any parts that are sticking or poking inside of your mouth. If the pain or irritation is too much, ask your orthodontist to fix it. If a wire breaks, cut it off close and get to the dentist as soon as you can.

To avoid issues like broken brackets or stuck food, which can lead to stains, avoid the foods your dentist tells you to avoid. Popcorn is a no-no, chips should be eaten carefully, and anything that is very sticky or hard can definitely cause problems.

Eating or drinking anything with high amounts of sugar can be bad for your teeth, especially when you have braces on. It can cause cavities and staining, and if your teeth are stained while you have braces on, there will be white spots when they are taken off.

Be careful with gum. Some orthodontists say it is fine, while others feel it is best to avoid it. Typically, you should at least make sure it is sugar-free. Some orthodontists say chewing gum can help with chewing in general.

Brushing your teeth frequently is a necessity. You will not only need to use a regular brush, but also a pick brush to get in between the braces. A good electric toothbrush can help a great deal, but you will have to be careful not to damage the brackets. A Water Pik is a good investment also, and do not forget to floss.

In short, don’t be ashamed of your braces. Make them your own with different colored bands and show off your ever-improving smile every chance you get. Most importantly, always remember why you are wearing the braces to begin with, and think about how great the end results will be.

Thinking about getting a better smile? Consult these Ottawa dentists and orthodontists:

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[column size=”1/3″]Wellington Village Orthodontics
Ottawa Orthodontists[/column]

[column size=”1/3″] 175 Holland
Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 0Y2
Phone: (613) 722-8500
Email: info@bracesinottawa.com

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