Top 9 Amazing Ways on How to Have a Better Smile in 2020

If you’re not pleased with your smile, braces can help you to improve it. However, there are a few things that you should know for the best possible outcome. 

If you’re self-conscious about misaligned teeth or a gap in your teeth and wish you had a better smile, your local orthodontist can help. At the orthodontist’s office, you can ask questions and learn about different ways to improve your smile. 

Here are 9 tips to help you smile with confidence when you get braces or orthodontic treatments to improve your smile.

1. In the Beginning, Be Patient

On day one, your braces may feel strange because your body isn’t quite sure what to do with the new structure in your mouth. However, you’ll get used to them very quickly. 

Meanwhile, your mouth may produce extra saliva. Typically, this only lasts for an hour or two. 

You may also notice changes in your speech. This sensation will also pass. Your speech will return to normal in one or two days.

2. Communicate With Your Orthodontist

Never leave your orthodontic appointment if your braces feel uncomfortable. Only you know how your braces feel. 

If a bracket or wire is poking your gums, make sure that you tell the orthodontist. If you fail to do this, you may have to return a few days later for a readjustment. 

Sometimes, there are parts of your braces that the orthodontist can’t remove. In that case, they’ll give you wax to prevent it from irritating your gums.

3. Stay Away From Soda and Sugary Juices

As part of your dietary guidelines, your orthodontist will more than likely tell you to stay away from soda and juices that contain a lot of sugar. Sticky sugars can damage your teeth. 

Also, excessive soda is not good for your health. Sugars are especially harmful to your teeth when you wear braces, so stay away from them.

4. Mind Your Habits for a Better Smile

If you bite your nails or chew on pencils, stop. Don’t do it. These habits can damage your braces or cause the wires in your mouth to bend. 

Chewing on any hard object is terrible for your braces. It can make them come loose or even break.

5. Avoid Trouble Foods

Don’t eat sticky, chewy, or hard foods, like caramel. Just say no to snacks such as candy, popcorn, and hard pretzels. 

Chewing gum and ice can also bend or break your braces. Of course, any fruit is healthy, but if you’re going to eat an apple, be careful. 

Cut it into small pieces so that your braces don’t have to bear the force of breaking it up. Do the same when eating hard foods such as corn on the cob, carrots, or ribs.

6. Yes, You Still Have to Floss

Flossing can prove challenging with braces, but you can do it. Use wax floss to make it easier. 

Also, you can use a floss threader. A floss threader has a loop that you stick behind your brace wire. Then, you can thread the floss through it so that you can clean in between your teeth. 

Alternatively, you can purchase a water flosser. Also, make sure that you use mouthwash to protect your teeth from bacteria.

7. Don’t Skimp on Your Retainers

Most people think retainers aren’t that important. However, they’re nearly as important as your braces if the orthodontist perscribes one to you. 

It’s not easy to realign your teeth to the correct position. Even once your teeth are nice and straight, they want to move back to their old position. They just like it there. 

It’s understandable to want to revel in the freedom of not having braces earlier than you should. However, doing so can cause your teeth to move out of alignment. 

It’s not worth the risk. Don’t ruin the beautiful smile that you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

8. Heed the Advice of Your Orthodontist

It’s true. Braces aren’t fun. Resultantly, you may not appreciate the process. 

At times, it may seem like your orthodontist simply tightens a wire until your teeth move into a straight line. However, there’s a lot more to it. 

It takes a lot to move teeth into alignment. Your orthodontist will tell you what to do to minimize your pain and make the process go as fast as possible.

9. Don’t Miss Your Appointments!

The biggest thing that you can do to improve your smile is to keep your orthodontist appointments. When you miss appointments, you can increase the amount of time that you’ll have to wear your braces. 

Occasionally, you may overlook your orthodontic appointment. That’s understandable; it happens. However, you must reschedule right away when it does. 

Your orthodontist must check on your progress regularly. During your visits, they may also need to adjust your braces. They’ll also check for problems such as cavities or gum disease. 

Consult With Your Orthodontist for a Healthy Smile!

If you want a better smile, your orthodontist can answer your questions and make recommendations. Before you attend your initial consultation, write down any questions you might have about braces.

During your visit, they may recommend tooth covering options. They may also suggest clear aligners.

During the visit, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and gums. Next, they will discuss their treatment recommendations and how much your braces will cost. 

Yes, braces are hard work, but it’s well worth it for the years that you’ll spend enjoying your smile. 

Are you ready to get your smile on? Connect with Smiles by Pocock today for a free video consultation.