Managing Oral Hygiene with Braces
Forgoing a proper oral hygiene routine puts people at risk for
poor oral health. Brushing and flossing are especially crucial for braces wearers since metal brackets and wires can trap debris and bacteria. Patients must brush their teeth at least twice a day and after every meal and snack. A special device called a “tree brush” can also help patients clean behind their wires and remove any food particles. While flossing with braces is a bit more complicated and will likely take a little longer, it is crucial not to skip this step. To floss correctly, patients should thread the floss between the main wire and their teeth and then gently slide it up and down the sides of both teeth. A water flosser can also help remove any food from in between teeth and around brackets. Patients with ceramic braces instead of traditional braces should take extra caution since their brackets are larger. This can make them harder to clean and lead to swollen gums if the toothbrush does not reach the gum line.
“Brushing and flossing are especially crucial for braces wearers since metal brackets and wires can trap debris and bacteria.”
Avoiding Injury
Braces will not prevent patients from taking part in the sports and activities they love. People with braces will need to take precautions to prevent injury during sports, such as wearing a
mouthguard. This flexible plastic mouthpiece will protect the mouth’s teeth and soft tissues and stop the brackets and wires from breaking or bending. Sometimes accidents can happen and damage braces. Patients should take care to avoid any facial trauma. A hit to the mouth can damage the teeth, and can also the metal from the braces can hurt the lips, cheeks, and gums. Braces wearers should not use their teeth as a tool since this can weaken and damage their orthodontic devices. People with ceramic braces should exercise additional caution since they are
less durable than traditional metal braces.
“People with braces will need to take precautions to prevent injury during sports, such as wearing a mouthguard.”
Visiting the Orthodontist
People with braces will require regular visits so our team can monitor their treatment progress. Patients can expect to come back about every four to eight weeks. During these routine appointments, our team will look for any signs of damage, replace any wires, and tighten the braces as needed. Adjustment appointments are an essential part of a successful treatment outcome. Orthodontic treatment is progressive, which means changes happen over time. Missing any visits could lead to a longer treatment time. Besides routine adjustment appointments, patients should contact our team for an appointment regarding any bracket or wire issues.
“Adjustment appointments are an essential part of a successful treatment outcome.”
Being Confident While Wearing Braces
Technology has come a long way from the headgear and clunky traditional braces of the past. Modern braces are less noticeable and more comfortable to wear. However, wearing braces can take time to adjust to, so it understandable for patients to feel a little self-conscious. Remember that braces are temporary and will result in a more beautiful and straight smile. People can also take comfort in the fact that they are not alone, as many other people also have braces. Taking good care of braces will help them remain less noticeable and also get them removed sooner.
“Modern braces are less noticeable and more comfortable to wear.”
Braces-Friendly Foods
While traditional braces are durable, there are certain foods that patients should avoid. People should refrain from eating sticky, hard, or crunchy foods like hard candy, gum, and popcorn. These foods can get stuck in wires and cause severe damage or breakage. After receiving braces for the first time or after adjustment appointments, patients may want to eat soft foods that do not require much chewing, such as soup. Foods that are braces-friendly include dairy and bread, lunch meats and soft cooked chicken, seafood, cooked vegetables, fruits like bananas, and treats such as ice cream without crunchy mix-ins. People with ceramic braces should also avoid dark beverages, which can stain the lighter brackets. While it might be tough for patients to avoid some of these foods, it is better than suffering through a broken wire or bracket.
“People should refrain from eating sticky, hard, or crunchy foods like hard candy, gum, and popcorn.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often should I brush my teeth while wearing dental braces?
A. Patients should brush their teeth at least twice a day and after every meal or snack. It is also crucial to floss. During treatment, try to avoid sugary foods, which can cause increased bacteria and plaque in the mouth.
Q. Can I still play sports while wearing braces?
A. People that play sports should take precautions to protect their braces and mouth. We recommend wearing a special mouthguard designed to fit around orthodontics. This flexible plastic mouthpiece protects the mouth’s teeth and soft tissues as well as the brackets and wires.
Q. Do braces hurt?
A. When a patient first receives braces, they may not experience any pain or discomfort right away. The gentle pressure that the braces put on the teeth will take effect within a few hours. It is normal to experience some temporary pain and discomfort as the braces slowly move the teeth into alignment. Patients may also experience discomfort following wire adjustments.
Q. What happens if my wires or brackets come loose?
A. In some situations, a patient’s wires or bands may come loose. If this occurs, contact our team as soon as possible so that we can fix your appliance. People should also save any piece of their device that comes loose and bring it to our office.
Q. What happens after I complete braces treatment?
A. After braces treatment, most patients will receive a retainer. A retainer is an orthodontic appliance that prevents teeth from shifting out of alignment. People should also continue to have regular dental check-ups to maintain their oral health.
Quality Orthodontic Services Can Transform Smiles
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need.
Definition of Orthodontic Terminology
- Mouthguard
- A mouthguard is a covering for teeth that protects them from teeth grinding or during sports.
- Retainer
- A retainer is a fixed or removable device that holds teeth in their correct position.
Call Us Today
By following a few simple instructions, you can reduce the impact of braces on your lifestyle. Our team at Smile By Dr. K can meet your orthodontic needs and help you maintain your appliance throughout treatment. Call us today at
818-341-5150 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
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