If you have decided to get braces, you may wonder what steps you may need to follow to prepare for getting them. The following information will help you know what to expect. What Steps Will I Need to Follow Before My Braces Are Placed? Getting braces is a major step toward getting the smile of your dreams. Therefore, preparing for the event is also meaningful. According to the site, Orthodontics Australia, you need to prepare for getting the braces placed by, first, cleaning your teeth thoroughly. Make sure to thoroughly brush and floss the teeth. If you have not had a professional dental cleaning and exam in the last 6 months, you should do that as well. The teeth need to be plaque-free, and any teeth need to be filled, so the cement for the braces can adhere well and you won’t run into any problems with decay or gum swelling. Other Steps of the Preparation Process In addition, you need to remember that some foods simply are not good to eat when you have braces. Some foods can bend the wires and pop the brackets, making it necessary to see us for repairs. Therefore, you need to remove all those treats that could cause a problem, such as chewy foods (caramels and toffees), hard foods (nuts and hard candies), hard crust pizza or bread rolls, popcorn, and crunchy veggies (such as carrots or celery). In other words, any food that is a challenge to chew or eat should be removed from your diet. Also, foods, such as corn on the cob, which can get stuck between the teeth or add pressure when biting, should be eliminated. Instead, eat foods, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, chili, soft breads, pasta, grapes, berries, soups, or smoothies – foods that are kinder and gentler to the gums and teeth. You might also want to take a selfie of your smile before you get your braces placed – a before picture you can look at after your smile has been straightened and improved. Would you like to know more about getting braces to straighten your crooked teeth or misaligned bite? Make the best of you smile by scheduling an appointment with us now.