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Your heart has started beating a bit more quickly and your palms have gotten clammy. Someone has just whipped out the camera and you’re about to come face-to-face with it. This wouldn’t ordinarily be a problem, but now you have braces and it seems like smiling will never be the same.
It’s a common misconception that smiling is over once you get braces. In fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth! It’s about that time of the year for school yearbook photos and senior photoshoots, and it’s also time to quit worrying so much about your braces. Here are our top tips to prepare for braces and photos.
Adopt Proper Oral Hygiene
One of our top tips is to adopt a proper oral hygiene regimen to ensure your smile stays beautiful during and after braces. This includes brushing daily, flossing and using a quality mouthwash. In keeping your teeth, gums, and braces clean, you allow for a stunning smile. It’s a good idea to pack a travel kit with the essentials so you can easily brush and floss on the go. Include a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, floss threaders and floss, as well as mouthwash to ensure you’re taking care of your teeth while you’re away from home.
Practice Your Smile
Life with braces may seem a little different, but that doesn’t mean you can’t smile anymore! Braces take a little time to get used to, and this includes practicing certain things like eating, talking and smiling. The thing is, once you get used to braces, it’ll be hard to imagine not having them. Stand in front of the mirror at home and practice your smile. A good rule of thumb is to think of something that makes you happy. We know it may sound silly, but once you gain a little bit more confidence with it, you’ll be a natural when it comes to school picture day.
Just Be Yourself
School yearbooks and senior photos are ways to capture important moments as you grow up, and if you avoid these situations, you’ll regret it later. Don’t avoid the camera simply because you have braces. Think about how much fun you will have looking back at your yearbook photos, reminiscing about the good times. Our tip here is to just be yourself. You’ll be glad you let yourself just have fun with it, and you won’t feel as though you missed out on an opportunity.
Be Positive
It’s true when you feel positive, you act positively too! Don’t think of having braces as a punishment, but instead as an opportunity to get a spectacular smile. Remember our helpful tips the next time you’re thinking of hiding during picture time:
- Brush and floss every day to maintain a healthy smile.
- Think positive thoughts.
- Practice your smile and get comfortable with your braces.
- Have fun!
Chances are, you’ll only get to have these experiences once, so make the most of them! Smile at the camera and enjoy the moment. Have fun and be yourself. You never know who is looking up to you, so let your confidence shine.
At Charleston Orthodontic Specialists, we are excited to help you on your way to a priceless smile. Call (843) 4-BRACES to get started with our team today!
