SO YOU ARE FINALLY WEARING BRACES. NOW WHAT?
Whether you are a child or an adult, getting braces will not only fix the alignment of your teeth or bite, it will improve your profile appearance and even prevent TMJ disorders later in life. Orthodontic treatment relies on two things: consistent follow-ups with your dentist for realignment of bands and checking for improvement and proper cleaning of your teeth with braces. After Dr. Reese puts on braces on your teeth, he will tell and show you how to clean your teeth with braces. We will outline the usual steps in this post.
How to Clean Your Teeth with Braces
- Prepare to brush. Take off elastics, and any other removable parts of your braces.
- Clean your braces. Use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush from the top of each wire and then from the bottom. (Take time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed, and that you work all the way around upper and lower teeth.) Dr. Reese recommends the GUM® End Tuft Toothbrush for those that wear braces. The small round brush head comprises seven tufts of tightly packed soft nylon bristles, trimmed so the bristles in the center can reach deeper into small spaces.
- Brush where the gums and teeth meet. Use circular, vibrating motion around the gum lines, spending 10 seconds on each tooth.
- Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.
- Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth too.
- Floss once a day with "super floss", a type of floss for cleaning around appliances such as braces. A floss threader may be helpful.
- Rinse and check your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water or mouth rinse, and examine your teeth and braces in the mirror.
When You Should Clean Your Braces
Whenever possible, you should brush your teeth after every time you eat. If you can’t, rinsing your mouth out with water can help. Swoosh it around your mouth really well and spit it out. Your dentist might recommend you carry a travel toothbrush with you all the time since it is extremely important that you clean your braces (and teeth) after eating.
Brushing twice a day is important. Floss at least once a day, usually before going to bed at night.
Braces and Plaque are a Bad Combination
Braces can straighten your teeth and fix your smile but it is up to you to ensure that your straightened teeth will last a lifetime. Dental care with braces requires extra effort but once the braces come off, you will realize that it is all worth it!
Braces are an Investment
We all know getting braces isn’t that affordable but the end result is more than worth it. The extra effort to take care of this investment should be a priority.
Customized care is a hallmark of everyone’s treatment at Indianapolis Dentistry. Dr. Reese offers orthodontics for children and adults and is happy to offer you an orthodontic evaluation to discuss your particular concerns and options. Drop us a call at 317-882-0228 or email today!