Are you a big believer in setting New Year’s resolutions? Then you’ve likely spent the last couple of weeks brainstorming goals for 2022. Before finalizing your list, you should consider adding some smile-related intentions if you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. Unsure where to start? Here are five ideas for resolutions with braces to spark some inspiration!
#1. Be Diligent About Brushing Your Teeth and Your Braces
Whether you have metal braces or Invisalign, it is important to incorporate cleaning your teeth and your braces into your oral hygiene routine. With traditional orthodontics, you can use your soft-bristled toothbrush to clean along the bottom and top of each bracket while brushing your teeth. With clear aligners, you should wash them separately and rinse them regularly. These measures will prevent your braces from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
#2. Floss Every Day
Remember, flossing is not optional, it’s an essential component of your oral hygiene regimen. So, if you’ve fallen out of the habit, a great New Year’s resolution is to pick up flossing again. To help get you motivated, consider getting a flavored floss or water flosser!
#3. Attend Every Dental and Orthodontic Appointment
Throughout your treatment, you will have periodic appointments with your orthodontist so they can monitor the movement of your teeth and ensure you’re on track with your plan. In addition, you should continue to visit your dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning. Although it may not seem like a big deal to skip an appointment every once in a while, each one plays an important role in providing you with the healthy, happy, and beautiful smile you desire.
#4. Pass on Sticky, Hard, and Sugary Foods
Do you like chewy taffy and salty peanut brittle? Do you have a sweet tooth that causes you to daydream of cotton candy, ice cream, and other desserts? Sadly, your teeth (and braces!) can sustain some serious damage from these delicious treats. Therefore, it’s best to stick to mostly well-balanced meals in 2022. When you do want to indulge in something tasty, try to find a smile-friendly alternative, like fresh fruit.
#5. Wear Your Appliances as Instructed
Clear aligners, elastics, and retainers are all orthodontic appliances that play an essential role in guiding and keeping your teeth in their perfectly aligned positions. As a result, neglecting to follow your orthodontist’s instructions can cause you to fall off-track with your treatment timeline and even lead to unwanted movement. So, do your best to abide by their guidelines in 2022!
Now that 2022 is here, there is literally no time like the present to create some new habits. If you have braces, then it’s especially important to set some smile-related ones, like the ideas above!
About the Practice
Happy New Year from our team at Simply Orthodontics! We love helping our patients start the new year off on the right foot, whether that means recommending some smile-related goals or simply beginning orthodontic treatment. Dr. Alkhoury and the rest of our team are here to help you achieve a smile that is not only extremely gorgeous but is also extremely healthy. If you want to learn more about maintaining a healthy smile during orthodontic treatment or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 757-3173.