If your teeth aren't clean enough or perfectly aligned, you may feel very uncomfortable about your appearance, especially if you're a naturally outgoing individual. Instead of participating in activities or engaging in conversations, you keep to yourself to avoid smiling or interacting with others. You don't have to hide your smile or personality with the right orthodontic and dental tips. Here are ways you can improve your imperfect teeth now:

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

When you have crooked, uneven, or misaligned teeth, food can easily trap between them when you eat. The trapped pieces of food can eventually decay your teeth or lead to gum disease. The particles of food may even give you bad breath or halitosis. You can keep your teeth clean between brushes by eating more fruits and vegetables. 

Items, such as celery, apples, red peppers, and broccoli, can help clean the spaces between your misaligned teeth. In addition, eating a healthier diet can also protect your mouth from infection and inflammation. You want to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables for the best results.

Once you clean up the spaces between your teeth, see an orthodontist for additional care.

Seek Adult Orthodontic Care

Although orthodontists treat teens and children, they also provide services to adults. A dental provider can straighten your teeth with mini braces or clear aligners. Mini braces use tiny metal brackets and thin wires to move your teeth in place. Clear aligners are almost translucent, so they may be more discreet than mini braces. 

A good number of orthodontists offer incognito braces to patients. These types of braces fit on the lingual (tongue) side of your teeth. Lingual braces don't require you to wear them for an extended amount of time. Most adults see improvement in their teeth within a year of wearing their appliances. If you're pressed for time or need to see results sooner, speak to an orthodontist about incognito braces.

After you get your new braces, an orthodontist will generally schedule you for routine checkups. The checkups allow an orthodontist to document your progress, as well as make any necessary changes in your treatment. Some patients experience minor problems with their gums, tongue, or other soft tissues when they wear braces. The visits keep your mouth healthy until your treatment completes. 

If you have any questions about adult braces or how to obtain them, contact a dentist like Snyder, Donald DDS for an orthodontic consultation today.

Share