What You Need In A Braces Survival Kit

If you're getting braces soon, you're likely wondering how to best prepare for the experience. You're probably excited about getting your teeth straighter but also probably nervous about what having braces entails. Do not fret. Here you will discover key items that all braces-wearers should have handy.

Dental Wax: When you first get braces, you might notice that its brackets rub against your lips or cheeks. This will likely be irritating if you're new to braces, but it should become less noticeable over time as the inside of your cheeks become stronger. Still, when you're getting used to it, you will want wax to help prevent any irritation you feel. To apply wax, take a small amount of it from its container and use your fingers to roll it into a ball. Then place it on the bracket that is causing you irritation. Your orthodontist can provide you with wax, but you can also get extra from a drug store.

Travel Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Another handy item you will need for your braces survival kit is a travel toothbrush and toothpaste. Some people don't brush their teeth as often when they have braces, finding it difficult or awkward. However, it is very important to continue to brush your teeth regularly when you have braces. This is because braces trap food particles, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay. So to prevent this from happening, you will need to be extra careful when brushing your teeth. Further, you may want to try a proxy brush in addition to your travel toothbrush. This can be used to get places a normal toothbrush can't.

Special Kind Of Floss: Just as some people find brushing their teeth difficult with braces, some will also find flossing difficult with braces. This is why you should use a different kind of floss than you normally do during your braces stint. Floss threaders are a great option for braces-wearers since they help with flossing underneath braces. You may also want to consider using a water flosser in addition to a floss threader. It will be too large to keep in a braces kit, but could work well for flossing at home.

In addition to the items above, you will also want a travel-sized bag for keeping all of your items inside. Some other items you might consider include a pain reliever and a small mirror. For more advice on preparing for braces, be sure to ask your orthodontist. Your orthodontist can explain any aspect of orthodontics to you.