Dental braces are orthodontic devices that straighten teeth. They require meticulous care to ensure they last while serving their purpose well.
Clean your teeth with braces with the use of a soft-bristled toothbrush. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth using fluoride toothpaste after each meal and before going to bed.
You will need to spend time on thorough brushing, including the sections where your braces are in contact with your teeth. Remove debris that may have accumulated in between braces and teeth. Use a ‘Christmas tree’ brush to clean the area between two braces.
To check if you need to replace your toothbrush, look at the back of its head. When you see bristles peeking out of the toothbrush head, get a new one.
Floss your teeth, especially in areas your toothbrush may have difficulty reaching. Use a saw-like motion to gently floss the area between teeth. Be cautious in your pulling, particularly when working on the arch wire.
In addition to meticulous brushing and flossing, you may also need to stay away from certain foods that may damage or break your dental braces’ wires and brackets. Avoid sticky or hard foods. Chewing gums, nuts, corn on the cob, whole apples and carrots are just some of the foods that you need to avoid.
You also need to minimise the intake of sugary food items such as ice creams and cake. Limit your soda and sweetened beverage consumption.
Braces need professional cleaning and adjustments. This is why orthodontists and dentists in Edinburgh require patients with braces to visit them every 4-6 weeks. Do not skip visits, as this will only delay progress and require you to use braces for a long period of time.
To care for teeth with braces, be more meticulous about your brushing and flossing habits. You will also need to modify your eating habits to maximise the benefits of your dental braces.