The upcoming holiday season can be a busy time for parents and their children. A new season brings new activities and new routines so it’s easy to forget that you still need to be taking care of your braces and teeth.
Step 1: Whiten - There are many tooth whitening products available at your local drug store that can get rid of stains and discolorations. At-home teeth whitening kits often contain peroxide gels or strips with peroxide that are designed to be left on your teeth as long as overnight. However, home treatments can actually be more expensive than an in-office teeth whitening by Dr. Kelly. Using an at-home treatment is less expensive at first, but the whitening agents are also less concentrated than the ones used by our orthodontic practice. You may have to spend more money over time on several whitening kits, while Dr. Kelly can make your smile brighter in one quick procedure. Pro Tip: To keep your smile beautifully realistic, don’t make your teeth lighter than the whites of your eyes.
Step 2: Floss - Floss once or twice a day, everyday, just before you brush your teeth. This removes plaque from between your teeth, preventing a build up of yellow or off-white plaque. If you have braces, ask our office about Floss Threaders. Floss Threaders are an easy and effective way to floss between your brackets and wires.
Step 3: Food - While the occasional sweet treat is OK…be mindful that braces are sensitive to damage, so you’ll need to avoid certain foods for as long as you have braces. These include sticky and hard foods that can damage the wires or bands, or cause a bracket to separate from a tooth. Also, limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks this summer. When sugar mixes with saliva, it creates a sticky film (plaque) that coats the teeth. It is also a good idea to reduce exposure to foods and drinks that can stain your teeth.
At Kelly Orthodontics, we are passionate about making our patients love their smiles. Whether you are an adult, adolescent, or child, our team will work together to exceed all of your expectations. If you have any questions on how to take care of your teeth and braces be sure to give our St. Charles Office a call. Our friendly team is here to help.
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