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People are prioritizing health and fitness more than ever before and this includes dental and oral hygiene. This just goes to show that we are now coming to understand the power of a great smile. Having an awesome smile can make a big difference. Whether it be in closing out a business deal or getting that new job, showing off your pearly whites can be a factor in your success.
For most people, having pearly white teeth is not enough. They want their teeth to be straightened and aligned as much as possible. Who can blame them? Straight and aligned teeth are important factors in having a great smile. That is where braces come in. Even if you are not concerned with the aesthetic benefit, your dentist might still recommend using braces to improve dental health. So whether at your own volition or as a recommendation, here are a few things that you need to know before getting those braces.
Not Just For Aesthetics
Braces were mainly designed to improve the orofacial appearance. This may sound intimidating or even scary to some but they are meant to improve or fix crooked teeth, crowded teeth, underbites, overbites, problems with the jaw joints and jaw position. If left untreated, these conditions can cause further problems like tooth decay, gum diseases, problems with biting and chewing, headaches, earaches and even speech problems. So if your dentist recommends getting braces, you should seriously consider it. They will not only improve your winning smile but will prevent serious dental issues in the future.
Food Choices
While having braces does make it difficult to eat certain types of food, it does not mean that you can only consume pureed foods. This is actually a myth still believed by some people. They think that having braces means the end of eating their favorite food and sticking to a soft diet. This is completely untrue. You can still eat your favorite food but you have to take special care in preparing it before consumption. For example, meat needs to be cut into smaller pieces and must be removed from the bone. Tender cuts are preferable. Hard fruits also need to be cut into smaller pieces. Those are just a few examples. You can always consult with your dentist regarding your food choices and preparation.
After Care
Brushing your teeth after every meal is recommended to remove any trapped food in your braces. Daily flossing is also recommended to ensure that the areas under the wire and the gum area are kept clean.
