If you're having your teeth straightened, you want to ensure you talk to your orthodontist about what to expect throughout this process so you know of any risks of oral infection, severe discomfort and the like. While your orthodontist will give you specific advice on how to protect your appliance and your teeth throughout this process, note a few common mistakes to avoid while you are having your teeth straightened.

Eating

If you're using Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you may need to remove your clear aligner tray when eating. These trays may be somewhat brittle, so they might chip or crack if you bite down on something hard while wearing them. Extremely hot foods might also damage the surface of a tray.

Sticky foods can also get caught on trays or between the wires of braces, so you might need to avoid taffy, caramel, marshmallows, and other such food items while your teeth are being straightened. Your orthodontist can give you any special instructions on whether or not an appliance should be removed or how to protect wires of braces when eating, but don't make the mistake of assuming that you can keep a tray in place for a quick snack, or enjoy just a small bit of a forbidden food, as this can cause severe damage to a tooth straightening appliance.

Hygiene

Dental appliances can often trap bacteria and germs against the teeth, which might increase your risk of tooth decay. While you're having your teeth straightened, don't make the mistake of thinking that regular brushing and flossing will be enough; you may need to wash a plastic tray by itself or use a special brush to thoroughly clean the wires of braces. Your orthodontist might also recommend using mouthwash more often to remove even more germs and food particles. Be sure you follow these instructions and take extra care of your oral hygiene, rather than mistakenly thinking that your standard routine will be sufficient.

Aftercare

Once you're done with braces or trays, you still want to ensure you visit your dentist or orthodontist regularly to ensure that your teeth stay in their new position and that you're taking care of them as you should. A person might need to wear a retainer for some time after having their teeth straightened or may still need to avoid certain foods or even physical activities while their teeth continue to heal after the straightening process. Don't assume that you're done with the process once your teeth are straightened, but ensure you're following any aftercare recommendations from your dental professional.