Five tips on caring for your braces during orthodontic treatment. Braces are one of the most popular ways to get the smile you’ve always wanted. But if you’re not taking care of your teeth while receiving orthodontic treatment, you’ll be disappointed in your results.
Taking care of your teeth while receiving orthodontic treatment can be a bit of a challenge – but it is a necessary one to take on. When you know how to properly care for your teeth with braces, the challenge won’t seem so difficult.
If you’re looking to improve your oral health while you’re straightening your teeth, here are five things you should be doing.
1. Properly brush around wires and brackets twice a day
Whether or not you’re receiving orthodontic treatment, you should be brushing your teeth morning and night. This helps to remove a build up of bacteria and germs that can cause gum disease, infections, and discomfort.
If you are receiving orthodontic treatment, there are a few extra steps you need to take to properly brush. Because wires and brackets can catch food and trap it, standard brushing isn’t always enough. You need to be sure you’re effectively brushing between the wires and around the brackets.
Brushing in a circular motion can help dislodge any food that may have gotten trapped. Be sure you’re using a soft-bristle brush or purchase a special orthodontic toothbrush specifically designed for brushing around wires and brackets. Electric toothbrushes are another great option.
2. Avoid foods that can damage your brackets
Sticky or gummy food can actually damage the wires or brackets, dislodging them from your teeth and ruining your orthodontic treatment. Gums, sticky candies, caramel, or other gummy textured food should be avoided while receiving treatment from an orthodontist.
Sticky and gummy foods also tend to be high in sugar, which can be bad for your gums and teeth. When you have brackets and wires that trap food easily, that sugar can become lodged under a bracket or in an area that is hard for your toothbrush to reach. If it isn’t efficiently brushed away, it can begin to rot the tooth.
Stay away from sugary foods and drinks, as well as anything too sticky or gummy. If you’re not sure what foods may cause damage to your brackets or wires, talk with your orthodontist. They can give you a full list of food items that should be avoided.
3. Consider special orthodontic tools
Orthodontic treatment is much different than the standard dentistry you receive each year. For that reason, it only makes sense to use special orthodontic tools while receiving treatment from an orthodontist.
These tools are designed to make it easier to maintain your oral hygiene with braces. Special flossing tools help you maneuver floss between wires while other flossing tools, such as water picks, allow you flush away bacteria and food without needing to worry about traditional flossing string.
Talk with your orthodontic office about the best tools for you and your situation. They can provide you with recommendations that fit your budget and needs, so you can have a healthy mouth without worrying about breaking your bank.
4. Follow all instructions closely
When you receive orthodontic treatment, you will be given clear instructions for caring for your teeth and treatment. Whether you have Invisalign or traditional metal, you will need to take proper care of your orthodontics to ensure they work properly and last the necessary amount of time.
Don’t skip appointments, meetings, or steps provided to you by your orthodontic team. These instructions are important to getting a beautiful smile and keeping your teeth healthy during treatment. Use of elastic bands, sleepwear, or retainers is all important for getting the smile of your dreams.
Write down each instruction given to you and follow them appropriately. If something is causing you extreme discomfort or even pain, be sure to let your care team know rather than stopping treatment on your own. It is better to have your orthodontic team make a change to your plan.
5. Never skip an orthodontic appointment
Frequent meetings with your orthodontic team are crucial for getting the care you need. If changes to your treatment need to be made or you’re ready to move to your next Invisalign tray, you will want to do so as quickly as possible and in the most efficient manner. If you’re frequently skipping appointments, your treatment plan could fall behind.
In order to ensure you get the smile you’re looking for in the time promised to you, you need to stay on top of your treatment plan. This means always seeing your orthodontic team when it is expected or needed. It also means making additional appointments whenever needed.
Stay on the schedule that your orthodontic office recommends. If you need to cancel an appointment for whatever reason, be sure to reschedule as quickly as possible. If something feels off, you break a bracket, or you otherwise need to make an additional appointment, don’t hesitate.
Orthodontic treatment can help you feel beautiful, confident, and like you have a smile willing to show off. But if you want a beautiful smile that you’re happy to show to the world, you need to take the proper steps to keep your oral hygiene strong – even while going through orthodontic treatment.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for orthodontic treatment in the Spartanburg, SC area, stop into the Spartanburg Orthodontics office of Nease & Higginbotham Orthodontics. With cutting-edge technology, an attention to detail, and the expertise that you need, Nease & Higginbotham Orthodontics can help you create an orthodontic treatment plan that fits your needs and provides you with the results you’ve always wanted.
To make an appointment, give our office a call. With various forms of orthodontic treatment and care, we can accommodate individuals of all needs or ages. Contact our Spartanburg, SC office today to begin talking about your orthodontic needs.
Nease and Higginbotham Orthodontics
424 Hyatt Street – Suite E
Gaffney
SC 29341
Phone: (864) 579-7700
Five Tips for Wearing Orthodontic Braces 2017
