Prosper Trail Orthodontics is proud to offer expert orthodontic care to Prosper, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Dr. VaneBerg and our wonderful team are committed to providing treatment to all ages that result in healthy, attractive smiles that improve not just oral health but also confidence. But while we provide and oversee the treatment, there is still a crucial role that patients must play to ensure a successful end result. Once outside of the Prosper Trail Orthodontics office, commitment must be made to take proper care of your braces or other appliances to maximize the efficacy of the treatment. 

Improve Your Orthodontic Experience with Proper Care 

The care taken of braces or other orthodontic appliances can directly impact comfort, treatment timeline, and end result. It’s important to us at Prosper Trail Orthodontics that all of our patients are equipped with the information needed to care for their braces the best they can! The following five simple and practical tips can help ensure your orthodontic appliances are maintained properly for the most effective treatment! 

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene should always be a priority, but it’s even more important while receiving orthodontic care. Regardless of whether your treatment involves traditional braces, clear aligners, or a retainer, you need to be sure to brush your teeth after every meal. Flossing is also important to ensure no food particles get stuck in between brackets and wires. If regular floss is a challenge, consider trying a floss threader or an interdental brush for the best cleaning practices. If you’re unable to brush after a meal, at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to wash away leftover food and bacteria. 

2. Avoid Certain Foods

When wearing traditional braces, changes must be made to your normal food consumption. Items that are hard, sticky, or chewy should be avoided as much as possible. Care should be taken while wearing braces when eating things like apples or carrots, preferably having them cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces to snack on. As always, food and drink with high sugar content should also be avoided for the sake of oral health in general. If your treatment includes clear aligners, they should always be removed when eating or drinking anything other than clear water. 

3. Keep Appliances Clean

Braces can be kept clean through proper oral hygiene and regular mouth rinsing. For clear aligners or retainers, regularly clean these appliances by gently brushing with warm water and a soft toothbrush. There are also cleaning tablets or crystals available at the store for a deeper clean—but don’t use toothpaste, as it can scratch your appliance. 

4. Guard Your Mouth 

Be mindful of your mouth when it comes to certain activities. If you play sports, be sure to utilize a braces-friendly mouthguard to keep both your appliance and teeth safe. Avoid bad habits such as opening packages with your teeth, chewing on non-food items, or picking at your appliance. 

5. Follow Orthodontist Instructions

For the best results, follow the instructions given to you at your orthodontic appointments. This includes specific personalized care instructions, as well as attending all scheduled appointments. Communicate with your Prosper Trail Orthodontics if you have any problems or concerns instead of trying to fix the issue yourself. 

Visit Prosper Trail Orthodontics For All Your Orthodontic Needs 

Following these simple tips will help keep your braces, aligners, or other orthodontic appliances in good condition so they can keep working effectively toward your goal smile. Our expert orthodontic team is available for any questions you may have about your treatment, including any orthodontic emergencies, so don’t hesitate to contact us by giving a call at (972) 347-1700 or sending an email to [email protected]! 

If you’re just starting to think about your orthodontic journey and aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with what you can expect on your first visit. Schedule an appointment now for a free consultation! You can also explore our financial and insurance options to use your money wisely.