Celebrating with Braces

With the holidays behind us and New Year’s Eve tomorrow, we’re sure you’ve done a little bit of drinking to either enjoy or survive this time of year. However, now that you’ve got some new additions to your mouth, can you drink the same drinks that you’re use to? The answer is a little complicated…

In general, alcohol should have no direct effects on your braces. While you’re encouraged to stay away from alcohol free mouthwash because it might deteriorate the rubber bands in your mouth more quickly, your average everyday alcoholic beverage should be more than fine. However, while there are no direct effects from knocking a few back, there are some side effects you should watch out for that could cause damage to your braces and/or teeth.

Staining

If you are a connoisseur of red wine, then you likely know this already. However, if you’re just starting to gain a taste for this sometimes bitter beverage, then be aware. Red wine is a notorious tooth stainer. The intensity of the color in the drink contributes to its staining power. In order to prevent staining, some experts recommend getting a cheese plate with your wine to protect your teeth. However, a good, thorough brushing after a few glasses should do the trick.

Tooth Decay

The fact that sugar leads to tooth decay is well known. However, sometimes it’s hard to imagine the fact that some of the more tart alcoholic beverages contain a hefty amount of the sweet stuff, as well as the fact that they’re highly acidic. Both of these factor cause an increased possibility for tooth decay, especially with all of the nooks and crannies that braces create. Once again, the best solution to keep tooth decay at bay is brushing your teeth well after a night on the town.

Binge Eating

They don’t call them the drunk munchies for nothing! It’s important that regardless of what type of beer goggles you’re sporting that evening to remember that there are some foods to steer clear of with braces on. It’s also just as important for those with Invisalign to remember to quickly pop your retainers out before chowing down, and replacing them after you’ve finished and brushed.

Overall, popping a bottle or two in celebration of the New Year is more than fine. However, it’s important to remember to brush your teeth completely once you get home, and to drink in moderation. Have a safe and happy New Year Club Reed!

If you want to start 2016 with a stunning new smile, contact our office to set up your consultation today!

Kiss and Tell - The Ultimate Guide to Lip Locking with Braces

We’ve all heard the rumors, two people share an intimate moment when all of a sudden their braces get stuck together. Just thinking about the shame, the horror, and the embarrassment of having to call your orthodontist to help unstick you and your lover may be just enough to keep you away from kissing during your time with braces. Fortunately, you’ve got no need to worry! In the extensively long history that the world has had modern braces, there’s only been ONE case in the 1970’s of a kissing incident needing an orthodontic intervention.

However, if your love life is holding you back from straight teeth as an adult, it shouldn’t be! There are tons of ways to ensure that you make it through a make out without harming yourself or your partner with the metal in your mouth.

Start Slow

While kissing your partner might come naturally to you, it’s important to note that getting braces put on and minor adjustments can leave your mouth sensitive for a day or two. It might be uncomfortable to lock lips right away, so take it slow.

Experiment Gently

As we mentioned above, first time braces wearers might find kissing with them uncomfortable at first. However, as you get used to having braces in your mouth and they become second nature, so will kissing with them. Take the time to find out what works for you and your partner and what doesn’t. Ensure that you’re both comfortable and that whatever you’re each doing isn’t causing the other any pain. If it does, slow down, restart, and readjust to try something a bit different.

When in doubt, Invisalign!

If you’re really nervous about braces affecting your intimate life, ask Dr. Reed about your Invisalign options. Because Invisalign is made of clear plastic trays without the bumps, metal, or wires that traditional braces come with, your kissing comfort level should be immediately obvious. There is less of an adjustment and experimentation period with Invisalign, and, if it ever becomes uncomfortable while kissing, you have the option to remove the trays for that short period of time.

Getting braces as an adult is certainly nerve wracking. There are a lot of changes and adjustments you will need to make to the routines that have become well established in your life. However, rest assured that you’ll be able to continue kissing your partner.

If you have any other questions, or would like to set up a consultation with Dr. Reed to discuss adult braces options contact us here!