Taking Care of Your Braces

Question 1

What foods can I safely consume while wearing braces?

Accepted Answer

With braces, bananas are completely safe.

Answer

The saying "an apple a day keeps the braces away" is true.

Answer

Anything is up for grabs!

Answer

None of the above.

Question 2

When wearing braces, how frequently should you visit your orthodontist?

Accepted Answer

When wearing braces, you should see your orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks.

Answer

Every week, you should visit your orthodontist.

Answer

Your orthodontist only has to be seen twice: once to place your braces and again to remove them.

Answer

Your orthodontist just has to be seen once a year.

Question 3

How many times a day should someone with braces brush their teeth?

Accepted Answer

After each meal, you must brush your teeth.

Answer

With braces, you actually don't need to bother about brushing because the brackets guard your teeth from plaque.

Answer

Only once in the morning is required for tooth brushing.

Answer

Just before going to bed is the only time you need to wash your teeth.

Question 4

How should you respond if your braces itch your cheeks or lips?

Accepted Answer

Use orthodontic wax to cover any itchy areas.

Answer

Ask your orthodontist to remove your braces if they hurt because braces shouldn't ever be uncomfortable.

Answer

Put up a fight! Everything is a step in the process.

Answer

Use any tape you have at home to cover the brackets.

Question 5

How frequently should someone with braces floss?

Accepted Answer

When you have braces, one daily flossing is sufficient.

Answer

When wearing braces, you should floss right away after every meal.

Answer

With braces, flossing is only necessary once per week.

Answer

Brackets prevent flossing because they are in the way.

Question 6

When participating in sports while wearing braces, is a mouthguard required?

Accepted Answer

In order to protect your braces, teeth, and other players from injury while playing any sport, it is best to use a mouthguard. To fit over your braces, an orthodontist can create one specifically for you.

Answer

There is no need to use a mouthguard while playing sports because the likelihood of harming your teeth or braces is negligible.

Answer

If you choose to, you are not required to use a mouthguard.

Answer

False question If you have braces, you should avoid playing sports since you could harm your teeth.

Question 7

If your braces are causing your teeth to hurt, do you need to see your orthodontist?

Accepted Answer

It varies. Your braces will cause some discomfort as they work their magic to reposition your teeth. Only in cases when the pain is severe or is brought on by damaged brackets and wires should you visit your orthodontist.

Answer

If you have braces on and your teeth are hurting, see your dentist.

Answer

Braces shouldn't ever hurt. Make a trip to the emergency department if you are in pain.

Answer

Yes. Ask your dentist to see you right away if you're hurting from your braces.