Braces Resolutions for 2017

2017 has finally arrived and we at Clifton & Mauney hope to continue to be your choice when you’re in search of pediatric dentistry or an orthodontist in the Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Durham, NC areas for the following year and the years to come. Just as common as a Christmas tree is to Christmas, New Year’s resolutions have been just that to New Year’s Day. Whether you’ve already made any resolutions for 2017 or you’re still thinking about it, why not throw in a resolution about maintaining your dental health? If you’re wearing braces (or going to be wearing braces soon), we’ve provided you with a list of resolutions that will be helpful for making sure that your dental hygiene stays at its most optimal level.

Keep Up Your Brushing and Flossing

When you’re wearing braces, you’ll need to pay even more attention to your daily cleaning habits. While it’s recommended to brush four times a day (once after every meal and once before bed) while you have braces, you should at least brush twice a day (once in the morning and once before bed). Also, don’t forget to floss as well. Flossing is just as important in removing food particles from your teeth so you’ll want to do this once every day in addition to your brushing.

Limit the Sugary Foods You Eat

While you’ll have to avoid hard foods and sticky foods while you’re wearing braces, we also recommend limiting the amount of sugary foods you eat. The more sugar you eat, the more likely it is that you’ll develop tooth decay. Try limiting the soda you drink and replace it with water. Instead of eating candy, why not have something healthy, like cheese, crackers, or fruit?

Schedule Appointments with Your Dentist

Just because you’re wearing braces and seeing an orthodontist doesn’t mean that you don’t have to see the dentist as well. On the contrary – seeing a dentist is more critical than ever. Food particles and other bacteria are more likely to get stuck against your teeth or gums since braces offer many small crevices for them to get trapped in. Scheduling a dental checkup once every six months will go a long way in making sure that your teeth remain healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Remember to Wear Your Retainer

If you’ve just completed (or you’re about to complete) your orthodontic treatment, you may be finished with wearing braces, but that doesn’t mean that you’re done with the entire orthodontic process. You’ll move onto the last phase of the treatment: wearing a retainer. Your retainer serves a critical role in the treatment process; it will keep your newly-straightened teeth from slipping back into misalignment. The entire orthodontic process hinges on you wearing your retainer so make sure to wear it as prescribed by your orthodontist.

Contact Your Chapel Hill Orthodontist Today!

If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with us for orthodontics or pediatric dentistry, please feel free to give us a call at (919) 933-1007 or fill out our online appointment request form. If you have any questions or comments, we encourage you to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you attain the brightest and most beautiful smile possible!