Protect Your Enamel

McClellan Orthodontics

Braces are a spectacular tool for straightening smiles and correcting jaw problems that impact self-confidence and overall oral wellness. Your wires and brackets are fundamental to the treatment process, but they also can make it difficult to remove food particles that get stuck under and between your brackets and wires. Unfortunately, if this food is left to fester, the acidic content of the food can eat away at your tooth’s vital tooth enamel.

If you have braces, your smile can be prone to enamel erosion. Enamel erosion occurs when acid attacks the teeth and wears down the enamel. This can make your teeth vulnerable to tooth fractures and cavities. Permanent damage to tooth enamel can occur if the teeth and brackets are not kept clean.

To prevent enamel erosion, Dr. McClellan encourages you to:

Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages: Consuming acidic products can expose your smile to the acid that harms the teeth. So, it’s best to avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks as much as possible.

When it comes to taking care of your teeth with braces, one of the best things you can do is pay attention to what you are putting in your mouth. Thinking about what is coming in contact with your pearly whites can protect your teeth from erosion and decay.

Certain foods and beverages are more acidic than others. During orthodontic treatment, focus on eating foods that are both good for your body and your teeth.

Less tooth-friendly foods and drinks include: apples, cherries, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, pineapples, raspberries, tomatoes, pickles, soft drinks, and fruit drinks.

More tooth-friendly foods and drinks include: bananas, mangoes, melons, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, milk, water, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, crackers, and pasta.

Keep Your Teeth Clean: This includes regular brushing, an interdental brush, floss (and floss threaders) and possibly a water flosser to help you use the force of water to rid your mouth of stuck debris.

Use Fluoride: Fluoride can strengthen your tooth enamel and help you avoid enamel erosion. Use a fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash whenever possible.

If you like to learn more about how you prevent enamel erosion while wearing braces, our friendly staff at McClellan Orthodontics is available to train you in methods for keeping your teeth clean and strong.

5 Tips for Loving Your New Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

If you just got braces…you may not be super excited about it.  Your mouth is most likely sore and you're probably wondering if it is ever going to get better.  We know what you are going through and we are here to remind you that as with any change, adjusting to your new braces can be a little overwhelming. 

That said, the team at McClellan Orthodontics has put together a few tips to help you love your braces.

Tip #1:  Give Yourself Time - Your braces may not be what you expected, but after a while, when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your teeth and smile look.

Tip #2: Be Confident - Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you are treated with, people may not even know you're wearing braces. Be proud and know that your smile will look amazing very soon!

Tip #3: Smooth Things Over - Initially, your braces may feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your new braces and your tooth alignment improves, this sensation won’t be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have toughened, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of orthodontic wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation. Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day is also very soothing to your gum and cheek tissues.

Tip #4: Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods. You don’t want to do anything that could cause your braces or orthodontic appliances harm, so do your best to steer clear of sticky or hard foods that can break a bracket or wire.

Tip #5: Floss - We know that it can be hard to floss around your braces, but flossing is the best way to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems. If you find flossing with braces difficult, don’t give up on it. There are tools that can help. Ask us about Floss Threaders. Floss Threaders make flossing with braces much easier.

If you are having a hard time getting used to your new braces, give the McClellan Orthodontics Team a call.  Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help.