How to Care for Braces?
We want all our patients to enjoy a healthy and well-aigned smile, but that also means adjusting their oral health care routine and dietary habits. Here at Estes Orthodontics, you will receive all the help you require to get not only a well-aligned smile but also an extremely healthy one. You will have to adjust your teeth brushing technique, but it won’t be very complicated. Get to the office, and we’ll gladly teach you how. We also want you to know that there are other tools that could help with your oral hygiene. Maybe consider things like an interdental brush or water irrigator. The most successful patients also know to avoid some foods and drinks that could only damage their dental braces. We don’t want you to give up your favorite foods, but you definitely have to make some adjustments if you want to complete your treatment. Come To Our Office for Dental Braces in El Cerrito
Dr. Estes, Dr. Brehnan, and all the team will love to help you out in any way they can. We love the hard work that leads to Beautiful Smiles for Lifetime. Neighbors from El Cerrito won’t have any trouble finding our office and begin their orthodontic work. Wearing traditional braces is no longer anything to be worried about. Teenagers and adults alike can get amazing results with a safe and customized treatment plan. Make sure you get in touch with our office to learn more! Frequently Asked Questions
What are braces?
When talking about braces, people usually generalize. Dental braces are orthodontic appliances that realign teeth and jaws at a steady and safe pace. Traditional metal braces are definitely the most popular kind, but there are several variations in the design and materials used to manufacture them. Nowadays, conventional metal braces are the most durable and reliable tool to realign your teeth and fix your smile without the need for invasive procedures. Do braces hurt?
Wearing your orthodontic braces in El Cerrito shouldn’t result in feeling pain at any time. All patients should understand that the nature of this specialized care results in some discomfort at the beginning of treatment and after every adjustment; however, braces shouldn’t cause pain. If you feel persistent or throbbing pain, you should consult with your orthodontist as soon as possible and get emergency help to prevent complications that could compromise your oral and overall health. How long will I have braces?
No one can ensure you’ll wear braces for a set amount of time without taking a close look at your current circumstances first. On average, you can expect patients to wear braces anywhere between 18 to 24 months, but that window can be considerably shorter or longer depending on the complexity of your orthodontic problems, how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, and a couple more things. Go to a board-certified orthodontist for a more accurate estimate. When should I get braces?
In reality, everyone should get braces as early as possible, but only when it’s required. Not everyone needs braces, and even those who require orthodontic treatment can get their bites fixed with other appliances. But if you do determine you require orthodontic care and wish to start that journey with the most durable and reliable orthodontic appliance available, you should consider wearing conventional metal braces in El Cerrito. What to expect with braces?
When you start fixing your smile with braces, you’ll have to make a few adjustments. Primarily, people will have to stop eating certain foods that can severely damage their braces and delay their orthodontic treatment. Likewise, you should expect an increased need for oral hygiene, so get to brushing your teeth after every meal, using dental floss, and using an interdental brush to clear your mouth of any leftover food pieces that could promote tooth decay and gum disease. How to care for your braces?
Prevention is key, so we’d highly recommend you adjust your dietary habits and avoid hard foods, crunchy snacks, or sticky treats that can cling to or break your brackets. Second, you have to be more attentive to your dental hygiene routine and avoid leaving your mouth full of leftover food debris that feeds harmful bacteria and promotes tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease. The best way to care for your braces is to keep your mouth clean and avoid things that can damage them. What do you do about a mouthguard with braces?
You should ask your orthodontist what would happen with your mouthguard if you were wearing one to help with bruxism, for example, before you started your orthodontic care. Ultimately, you can use a mouthguard, the right one, with your braces to keep your teeth, braces, and soft mouth tissues protected during sports and other activities. 
