Orthodontic Care: Your Guide to Getting Braces
Getting braces is a worthwhile investment for achieving your perfect smile while addressing dental and oral health issues. Understanding what to expect, how to care for your braces, and how to maintain proper oral hygiene is key to ensuring a smooth journey toward straighter teeth. Here’s everything you need to know when starting your orthodontic treatment.
How to Clean Your Teeth with Braces
Keeping your teeth clean with braces is essential for preventing plaque buildup, cavities, and gum issues. Braces can make brushing and flossing a bit trickier, but with the right tools and techniques, you can maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Key Tip: Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.
How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces
Brushing with braces should be done at least twice a day, and after meals or snacks when possible. Follow these steps to ensure effective brushing:
- Rinse First: Start by rinsing your mouth to loosen food particles.
- Brush at an Angle: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and clean along the gum line.
- Clean Brackets: Gently brush above and below the brackets to remove debris.
- Focus on All Surfaces: Don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces and the inner sides of your teeth.
- How Long to Brush: Brush for at least two minutes, ensuring you cover every surface. Proper brushing helps prevent gingivitis and plaque buildup.
Pro Tip: Create an on-the-go dental kit with a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to keep your braces clean wherever you are—whether at school, work, or on trips.
How to Floss With Braces
Flossing with braces may seem challenging, but with the right tools, it’s manageable:
- Use a floss threader to guide the floss under the archwire.
- Try interdental cleaning tools like Piksters or Superfloss, available at most pharmacies.
- Aim to floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
What to Eat With Braces
Your diet plays a significant role in protecting your braces and ensuring comfort during treatment.
Foods to Enjoy
Stick to soft foods, especially in the first few days when your jaw may feel sore:
- Soup
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Yogurt
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can damage your braces or make cleaning difficult. Avoid:
- Chewy foods: Licorice, lollies, or fruit roll-ups.
- Sticky foods: Caramel or gum.
- Crunchy foods: Nuts, hard candy, or chips.
Pro Tip: Instead of biting into hard foods like apples or corn on the cob, cut them into smaller, manageable pieces to protect your brackets and wires.
Caring for Your Braces
Orthodontic braces are durable but not indestructible. Proper care will help you avoid unnecessary repairs and delays in treatment.
Preventing Damage
- Wear a mouthguard during sports to protect your braces and teeth from impact.
- Avoid habits like chewing on pens, biting nails, or playing with your braces.
What to Do If a Bracket Breaks
Brackets may occasionally loosen or detach, but this is rarely an emergency. Contact your orthodontist to schedule a repair appointment. For discomfort caused by broken wires or brackets, use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges temporarily.
Your Orthodontic Journey Starts Here
By following these guidelines and partnering with your orthodontist, you’ll achieve a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact our team today to ensure your braces stay in great shape throughout your treatment!
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FAQS
Will braces hurt?
You may experience some discomfort when they braces are placed and when the wire is changed. The discomfort should only last for a week or so.
What if the wire is causing irritation?
If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax or sugarless gum until you can see us for an appointment.
What happens if I swallow a bracket?
Nothing will happen if you swallow a bracket. Please text our office via website or use appointment reminder number to let us know, so we can arrange an appointment.
Can I still play sport?
Yes, you can. Please ask us about getting a mouthguard made.
Do I need to wear retainers after my braces are removed?
Yes, you do. A retainer will ensure that you keep your amazing new smile.