Some people find that metal braces make them feel self-conscious about their appearance. One way to reduce this effect is to have your orthodontist, Dr. Michael Jacobsen, apply a ceramic glaze to the braces. Since it can be matched to your natural tooth enamel, the braces will be harder for the casual observer to notice. At the same time, this style of braces also comes with some basic care considerations.
Even though the braces are relatively durable, they will still need daily care and cleaning. If any part of your braces is damaged or if you experience complications from tooth decay, it could increase the time it takes to realign your teeth.
Just like your natural teeth, your braces will need to be brushed twice a day. You should then floss your teeth each evening. If you’re having issues cleaning hard-to-reach places, you might want to try getting interdental brushes and a floss threader loaded with waxed dental floss.
Certain foods and activities that could pose a threat to your ceramic braces include chewing gum and eating sticky foods because the products can easily get stuck in the wires and bands, causing damage or even breaking something loose. This also includes bad habits, such as crunching down on hard foods or hard candy or chewing on things like pens, pencils, and ice.
You might want to also consider cutting back on dark foods and beverages. Your natural tooth enamel will stain faster and deeper than the ceramic material that is coating the braces. If your teeth become stained, they might not perfectly match the shade of the ceramic coating. You can still enjoy dark beverages, but you might want to dry drinking them through a straw or brushing your teeth shortly after consuming them.
If you are contemplating braces in Victorville, California, you should call 760-951-7752 to schedule a consultation at Jacobsen & Maleeh Orthodontics.