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Step 1
Always wear your bands as directed by your orthodontist. Dental bands help reposition your teeth, resulting in a straighter and healthier look. If you skip wearing bands or don't wear them as directed, your teeth will require longer to achieve the proper alignment. You will be given an estimated length of time in which you will have to wear the braces, and diligently wearing your bands can shorten that time.
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Step 2
Stay away from foods that will damage your brackets. Usually your orthodontist will talk to you about foods to stay away from. They can include popcorn, hard chips, gum, caramel and hard nuts. Eating these foods can cause your metal brackets to fall off your teeth or even break, and damage to your brackets can cause you to wear braces longer.
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Step 3
Maintain good oral hygiene. You must still properly care for your teeth even though you have braces. Always floss and check between your brackets and wires for particles of leftover food, and brush your teeth thoroughly after meals to prevent bacteria build-up on your gums. It is also helpful to stay away from drinks that can stain your teeth because once your braces are removed, the stains will be extremely apparent.
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Step 4
Go to every scheduled orthodontic appointment. Your orthodontist will schedule frequent appointments to check the movement of your teeth and the condition of the dental equipment. Missing appointments can push back important sessions like tightening wires and replacing brackets and can lengthen the amount of time you have to wear braces.
