Taking proper care of your braces will ensure a successful treatment and help to maintain your oral health.
If you have decided to go ahead with orthodontic treatment and have already had your braces fitted, you can expect a healthier, straighter smile once the process is complete. To make the most of your treatment and ensure that you maintain a healthy smile throughout your orthodontic journey, you must commit to proper oral hygiene habits and good lifestyle choices. Here are our top tips for taking proper care of your braces…
1. Get your brushing and flossing techniques right
One of the best things you can do to maintain the overall condition of your braces, as well as your oral health during your orthodontic treatment, is to brush and floss regularly. Although it can be difficult, it is very important that you get rid of food particles and plaque that may be stuck around the components of your brackets and on and between your teeth. It is common for plaques to build up around the brackets. If not removed, you run the risk of developing issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
To keep your braces and teeth clean, make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and that you floss daily. Brush and floss thoroughly but gently so you don’t damage your braces. You might also consider using mouthwash to get rid of bacteria and other debris in your mouth. If you find it difficult to dislodge particles between your teeth with regular brushing and flossing, you might benefit from using a floss threader or a water flosser.
2. Make good dietary choices
There are plenty of foods you can enjoy while you have braces. It is a good idea to make healthy choices so you can maintain the condition of your smile and prevent damage to your brackets and wires.
Certain foods can cause your brackets and wires to loosen, bend or break and are best avoided. These include popcorn, whole nuts, sticky and hard candy, and whole apples. It’s also a good idea to limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks that can lead to the build-up of plaque and cause stains on the surface of your teeth.
3. Protect your braces from damage
Your braces are made from strong and durable materials, but it is possible for them to break in certain situations. If you play a sport that puts you at risk of a facial or dental injury, it’s advisable that you speak to your dentist about having a mouthguard custom-made.
If you notice any damage to your braces, such as a loose or bent wire, it is a good idea to consult your orthodontist as soon as possible. Don’t try to make any repairs on your own. Your orthodontist will be able to fix or replace any broken components and ensure that your treatment plan remains on track.
How can we help?
At Crown Dental Group, we offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic solutions. It includes metal braces, smile aligners, and retainers. If you would like to straighten your smile and improve your oral health, we encourage you to come in and see us. We will examine your teeth and let you know if you are a suitable candidate for orthodontic treatment. We will also let you know what your treatment of choice involves and what you can expect from the process.
To find out more about the metal braces we offer at Crown Dental Group, please have a look here.
To find out about the full range of dentistry services that we offer, please have a look here. To arrange a consultation at Crown Dental, please get in touch here.