How to Care for Your Braces
Braces are the traditional treatment for correcting the alignment of your teeth, involving the use of metal brackets and wires that are fixed to your teeth throughout the duration of your treatment. This treatment is incredibly effective, and still a very popular treatment today. For your braces to be effective, however, they need to be properly cared for. Dr. Tim Dumore & Team is here to help.
Oral Hygiene and Your BracesBrushing and flossing are two essential habits that should be done every single day. These habits are crucial for eliminating plaque and bacteria in your mouth to reduce your risk for developing issues like cavities and gum disease. While important every day, these habits become especially important when you have braces.
Brushing and flossing with braces is different, and more involved, than brushing and flossing normally. In addition to brushing in the morning and then again before bed, it is highly recommended that you brush after every meal. When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. To brush the front surfaces of your teeth, angle the head of your toothbrush against the brackets so that you can effectively clean around them. Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth and the backs of your teeth as well. You may notice that the bristles of your toothbrush fray faster than usual, and your toothbrush should be replaced accordingly, even if this means replacing it before the recommended three months.
Flossing with braces is essential not only for removing plaque, bacteria, and food particles but also for removing this debris from under your wires and around your brackets. It can be difficult to get the floss underneath the wire so that a floss threader can be exceptionally helpful. Floss between each tooth, under the wires and around the brackets. Do not forget to floss behind your back teeth.
Protecting Your BracesTaking steps to protect your braces is essential for ensuring that they provide you with the most effective results. Avoid eating hard, crunchy, chewy, and sticky foods. These types of foods, including whole apples, caramels, chewing gum, crusty bread, and more, can cause your brackets to become dislodged or your wires to bend or break.
If you are involved in sports, a mouth guard is a must, even without braces. A boil & bite mouth guard is a great option while you are in orthodontic treatment. Once you get your braces off, we can make a customized mouth guard.
Dealing with Braces Related EmergenciesWhile taking care of your braces can help to keep them safe, sometimes urgent needs occur. A bracket can come loose or a wire may pop out or become long as your teeth align in between adjustment visits. If this happens, contact the office and the team will instruct you on what to do. A broken bracket may be scheduled in for repair if your next adjustment is still a few weeks away. A long wire can be easily cut at home with a pair of clean nail clippers, or our team members will be happy to help you in our office. We will always schedule an appointment for repair visits, so please be sure to call. We cannot manage walk in appointments.
With proper care, your braces will effectively realign your teeth, helping to improve both your oral health and the appearance of your smile. For more information about caring for your braces, call Dr. Tim Dumore & Team