Getting braces can be a totally life altering experience. You look different, your teeth feel different, and it can be tough to get used to the change. The best thing you can do right now is take care of your braces (and your teeth) to make sure your new smile stays on track. As your orthodontist in Johnson City, Dr. Jeremiah Sturgill is always here to help make your treatment as smooth as possible.
As the school year comes to an end, it’s time for one last quiz. Answer the questions below to find out how much you know about taking care of your braces. Keep track of your guesses and check them against the answers at the bottom — no peeking! And remember: if you’re ever unsure how best to care for your braces, call Sturgill Orthodontics for support.
1. Which foods are safe to eat with braces?
A: Everything is fair game!
B: Bananas are 100% safe for braces.
C: An apple a day keeps the orthodontist away.
D: None of the above.
2. How often should you visit your orthodontist when you have braces?
A: You only need to see your orthodontist once a year.
B: You should visit your orthodontist every 6-8 weeks when you have braces.
C: You should see your orthodontist every week.
D: You only need to see your orthodontist twice: once when you get your braces put on and once when you get them removed.
3. How many times should you brush your teeth per day with braces?
A: You have to brush your teeth after every meal.
B: You don’t really have to worry about brushing with braces because the brackets protect your teeth from plaque.
C: You only have to brush your teeth once in the morning.
D: You only have to brush your teeth right before you go to bed.
4. What should you do if your braces irritate your lips or cheeks?
A: Braces should never be uncomfortable so if they hurt, ask your orthodontist to remove them.
B: Tough it out! It’s all part of the process.
C: Cover any area that’s irritating with orthodontic wax.
D: Cover the brackets with whatever kind of tape you have at home.
5. How often should you floss with braces?
A: You can’t floss with braces because the brackets are in the way.
B: You should floss after every single thing you eat when you have braces.
C: You only need to floss once a week with braces.
D: Flossing once a day is enough when you have braces.
6. How many hours per day do I have to wear my Invisalign aligners?
A: You should wear your Invisalign aligners as often as possible, at least 22 hours a day.
B: You should wear your aligners during waking hours, at least 12 hours a day.
C: You only have to wear your aligners while you’re sleeping.
D: You should wear your Invisalign aligners 24/7, even when eating.
7. Do you need to visit your general dentist when you have braces?
A: Nope, it’s not necessary to see your dentist during braces treatment.
B: Your dentist and your orthodontist should treat you together.
C: You only need to visit your general dentist if you have a cavity.
D: Yes. When you have braces, it’s more important than ever to keep up regular visits with your dentist. You should see your dentist at least twice a year.
8. When do people usually get braces?
A: Most people get braces after their first orthodontist visit, around seven years old.
B: People usually get braces after they’ve lost their first tooth.
C: Every patient is different. Based on skeletal growth and dental development, the doctor prescribes the appropriate time for each patient.
D: People don’t usually get braces until the first year of high school.
9. Do you need to wear a mouthguard when playing sports with braces?
A: Yes, it’s best to wear a mouthguard when playing any sports to protect your braces and teeth (and other players!). Your orthodontist can make a custom one to fit over your braces.
B: The chances of damaging your teeth or braces when playing sports is low, so there’s no need to wear a mouthguard.
C: You only have to wear a mouthguard if you want to.
D: Trick question! You can’t play sports if you have braces because you might damage your teeth.
10. Do you need to see your orthodontist if your braces are making your teeth sore?
A: Yes. If you experience any pain from your braces, demand that your dentist see you immediately!
B: Your dentist is your go-to person if your teeth are sore from braces.
C: Braces should never be sore. If you have pain, go to the emergency room.
D: It depends. As your braces work their magic to move your teeth, they will cause some discomfort. You only need to see your orthodontist if the pain is extreme or caused by broken brackets and wires.
ANSWERS
- B
- B
- A
- C
- D
- A
- D
- C
- A
- D
If you answered 8-10 questions right, you’re a braces expert!
Well done! You’re doing everything right to care for your braces and teeth. Keep doing what you’re doing and be sure to follow Dr. Sturgill’s advice. Your braces will be off before you know it and thanks to your proper dental hygiene, you’ll be able to enjoy your new smile to the fullest.
If you answered 6-7 questions right, you’re an Invisalign or braces novice.
You’re almost there! You know the basics of how to care for your braces or Invisalign aligners, but you could probably use a refresher. With a little extra TLC, your braces treatment will be a breeze.
If you answered 5 or less questions right, give us a call!
If you didn’t ace the quiz, don’t worry. Your orthodontist is your go-to resource for everything related to braces and Invisalign care. Call our office @ 423-282-2333 to brush up on how to properly care for your teeth during treatment. We are here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!