How to Care for Your Braces: Tips and Tricks from our Specialist Orthodontist

Our specialist orthodontist, Dr Heinrich Ferreira, dives into all things oral health and hygiene. In this blog, he's tackling a topic that many of you may be familiar with – braces. Whether you've recently gotten braces or are considering getting them, knowing how to care for your new orthodontic gear properly is important. Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this article, Dr Ferreira will share valuable tips and tricks on maintaining excellent oral hygiene while rocking those fabulous braces. So let's get started on the journey towards a healthy and dazzling smile!

What type of braces do you have?

When it comes to braces, there are several different types to choose from. The type of braces you have will depend on your specific orthodontic needs and preferences.

Traditional metal braces are the most common type and consist of brackets affixed to each tooth, connected by a wire. These braces can be customised with colourful bands if desired.

Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces but use tooth-coloured or clear brackets instead, making them less noticeable.

Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. They provide effective treatment without drawing attention to your smile.

Clear aligners like Invisalign are removable trays that gradually shift your teeth into place. They offer a more discreet option for straightening your teeth.

Our specialist orthodontist will evaluate your case and recommend the best braces for you based on factors like the severity of misalignment and personal preference.

How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces

Braces can make maintaining good oral hygiene a little more challenging, but with the right techniques, you can keep your teeth and braces clean and healthy. One of the essential aspects of caring for your braces is knowing how to brush your teeth properly.

Start by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Position the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line, gently moving it in small circular motions. Be sure to clean every tooth surface, including around brackets and wires. Brushing should take at least two minutes.

To reach those hard-to-reach areas between brackets and wires, consider using an interdental brush or a proxabrush. These tiny brushes are designed to fit into tight spaces and effectively remove plaque.

Flossing with braces can be tricky but is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to guide dental floss under the wire before carefully manoeuvring it between each tooth's space.

If traditional flossing feels difficult or time-consuming, you may also try using a water flosser or an air floss device that uses pulsating water or air streams to clean between teeth and around brackets.

Remember that certain foods can damage your braces or get stuck in them, leading to potential complications like broken brackets or cavities. Avoid sticky candies, popcorn kernels, hard nuts, chewy caramels – basically anything too crunchy, gooey or tough on your teeth!

Maintaining regular visits with your orthodontist is vital during treatment with braces. They will monitor progress closely while ensuring everything stays on track towards achieving that perfect smile.

Taking care of your oral health when wearing braces requires some extra effort but pays off in the long run! By following these tips on brushing correctly with braces in place, proper flossing techniques, and making smart food choices, you'll be well on your way to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.

How to Floss with Braces

Flossing is essential to maintaining good oral hygiene, which holds true even when you have braces. While it may seem a bit challenging at first, flossing with braces can be quite manageable with the right technique and tools.

You'll need to use specialised floss threaders or orthodontic floss with a stiff end. This will allow you to navigate between the wires and brackets of your braces more easily. Begin by threading the floss under the main wire of your braces and then guide it up between two teeth. Gently move the floss back and forth in a sawing motion to remove any plaque or food debris.

Remember to take your time while flossing to clean around each tooth effectively. Not rushing through this process is important, as thorough cleaning is key for preventing gum disease or tooth decay.

If traditional floss seems too tricky for you, consider using interdental brushes or water flossers as alternative options. These tools can also help reach those hard-to-reach areas around your braces.

Maintaining good oral health while wearing braces requires dedication and proper care. You can ensure that your teeth stay healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment journey by incorporating regular brushing, effective flossing techniques, and appropriate dental tools.

What Foods to Avoid with Braces

When you have braces, it's important to be mindful of the foods you eat. Some foods can pose a risk to your orthodontic appliances and cause damage or delay your treatment progress. Here are some types of foods that you should avoid while wearing braces.

First and foremost, sticky and chewy foods should be avoided. This includes chewing gum, caramel, taffy, and gummy candies. These foods can easily get stuck between brackets and wires, making them difficult to remove with regular brushing or flossing.

Hard and crunchy foods should also be avoided as they can potentially break or loosen your braces. Examples include hard candies, nuts, popcorn kernels, ice cubes, and pretzels. Instead of biting into these items directly with your front teeth, try cutting them into smaller pieces before consuming them.

Acidic foods and beverages should be consumed in moderation as they can contribute to enamel erosion over time. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, sodas, sports drinks, and acidic juices fall into this category.

Lastly, it is best to limit the consumption of sugary snacks such as cookies, cakes, doughnuts etc.

These treats can increase the risk of tooth decay if proper oral hygiene is not maintained during orthodontic treatment.

By avoiding these types of food, you will help protect both your braces and your overall oral health.

It's always a good idea to consult with our specialist orthodontist for specific dietary guidelines based on your individual case.

This way, you can ensure that you're taking all necessary steps towards achieving a healthy smile!

How Often to See The Orthodontist

Regular visits to the orthodontist are essential to caring for your braces and maintaining good oral health. While every patient's treatment plan may vary, seeing the orthodontist every four to six weeks is generally recommended. These appointments allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments to your braces, and ensure that everything is on track.

During these visits, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and evaluate how they respond to treatment. They may also take X-rays or impressions as needed. This regular monitoring allows them to address any issues or concerns early on before they become more significant problems.

In addition to adjusting your braces, the orthodontist can provide guidance on proper oral hygiene with braces. They can offer tips on brushing techniques and recommend specific products that can help keep your teeth clean and healthy during treatment.

Regularly seeing the orthodontist ensures that you achieve optimal results from wearing braces and helps prevent potential complications such as tooth decay or gum disease. By following their recommendations and attending scheduled appointments, you contribute significantly to the success of your orthodontic journey.

Taking care of your braces is essential for maintaining good oral health and achieving the desired results from your orthodontic treatment. By following these tips and tricks from our specialist orthodontist, you can ensure that your braces stay clean, comfortable, and effective throughout the duration of your treatment.

Remember to identify what type of braces you have – whether it's traditional metal brackets or newer alternatives like ceramic or Invisalign – as this will determine the specific care instructions you need to follow. Regular brushing and flossing are vital components of oral hygiene with braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, an interdental brush, or a water flosser to remove plaque buildup and debris from around the brackets and wires.

Be mindful of what foods you eat while wearing braces. Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that can damage your brackets or get stuck in between them. Opt for softer options like mashed potatoes, pasta, yoghurt, and smoothies instead.

Regular visits to your orthodontist are crucial for monitoring progress and making any necessary adjustments to keep your treatment on track. Generally speaking, seeing your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks is recommended unless otherwise advised by them.

Incorporate these practices into your daily routine for optimal oral health during orthodontic treatment. With proper care and maintenance of your braces, you'll be well on your way to achieving a beautiful smile!

Consistency is key when it comes to caring for your braces. Stick with these tips consistently throughout their wear time, and always get in touch if any concerns arise along the way.