Essential Care Tips for People with Braces

Orthodontic treatment is an important step toward achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. However, braces require some extra care and attention to ensure they do their job effectively while keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Let’s take a look at the essential steps to take care of your braces and maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic journey.

1. Brushing and Flossing with Braces

One of the biggest changes that you will make when you get braces is how you brush and floss your teeth. Braces create extra surfaces and small spaces where food particles and plaque can easily get trapped. If the food remains trapped, it will lead to decay in teeth. So, here is how to keep your teeth clean:

• Brush after every meal: With braces, you need to brush more often than the usual twice a day. Try to brush after every meal to remove food particles that can get stuck in your braces.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: A toothbrush with soft bristles can gently clean around your brackets and wires. You can also use a specialized orthodontic toothbrush, which is designed to clean between braces.
• Brush at a 45-degree angle: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, ensuring you brush both above and below the brackets. Take your time and brush each tooth carefully.
• Floss daily: Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it is crucial to keep your gums healthy. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to navigate around your braces and clean between your teeth. A water flosser can also be used for better cleaning in between teeth.
• Consider interdental brushes: These small, specially designed brushes can fit between your braces to remove food particles and plaque in areas your toothbrush may miss.

2. Avoid Certain Foods

Wearing braces means you will have to make some adjustments to your diet to avoid damaging the brackets and wires. Here are some foods to avoid:

• Hard foods: Foods like nuts, hard candy, popcorn, pizza, Paani puri and ice can break the brackets or wires on your braces.
• Sticky foods: Chewing gum, caramel, toffee, and other sticky foods can get stuck in your braces, making it hard to clean and increasing the risk of tooth decay.
• Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Apples, carrots, and corn on the cob can damage your braces if eaten whole. Instead, cut these foods into smaller, bite-sized pieces to enjoy them safely.
• Sugary foods and drinks: While it is always a good idea to limit sugary foods, it is even more important when you have braces. Sugar can contribute to plaque buildup and increase the risk of cavities, especially around the brackets.

3. Protect Your Braces During Sports

If you play contact sports or activities where there is a risk of impact to your mouth, it is important to protect your braces. Wearing a mouthguard will not only safeguard your teeth but also prevent your braces from causing cuts or injuries to the inside of your mouth. Ask your orthodontist for a custom-fitted mouthguard that can fit comfortably over your braces.

4. Handle Discomfort Properly

It is normal to feel some discomfort, especially after your braces are first applied or after adjustments. Here is how to manage it:

• Wax for braces: Orthodontic wax is a great tool to protect the inside of your cheeks and lips from rubbing against the brackets, which can cause sores.
• Pain relievers: If you experience soreness after adjustments, a pain reliever can help alleviate discomfort but it should be usually avoided as the discomfort is usually not unbearable.
• Rinse with saltwater: A warm saltwater rinse can soothe any irritation or inflammation in your mouth caused by braces.

5. Attend Regular Orthodontic Appointments

Regular visits to your orthodontist are crucial to ensure that your braces are functioning properly and to make necessary adjustments. Skipping appointments can slow down your treatment progress and lead to complications. Always follow your orthodontist’s schedule and any specific care instructions they give you so that your treatment gets completed on time and you get your beautiful smile as planned.

6. Watch for Broken Wires or Loose Brackets

Braces are durable but can still break if not properly cared for. If you notice a loose bracket or a broken wire, it is important to contact your orthodontist right away to get it fixed. Continuing to wear damaged braces can cause discomfort and delay your treatment.

In the meantime:

• If a wire is poking out, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end and protect your cheeks or tongue.
• Avoid playing with loose wires or brackets to prevent further damage.

7. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can support your oral health and overall well-being during orthodontic treatment. Soft fruits, leafy greens, and dairy products that are high in calcium will help keep your teeth strong while you wear braces.

8. Use Fluoride Products

Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities, which is especially important when you have braces. Use a fluoride toothpaste and consider adding a fluoride mouthwash to your daily routine to provide an extra layer of protection.

9. Be Patient and Consistent

Orthodontic treatment takes time, and the key to a successful outcome is patience and consistency. Stick to your oral care routine, follow your orthodontist’s advice, and be diligent with your checkups. Every small effort contributes to the final, beautiful smile you are working toward.

Taking care of your braces is essential to ensuring a smooth and effective orthodontic treatment. By following these care tips, you will not only keep your braces in good shape but also maintain your oral health and pave the way for a stunning, straight smile. Remember, the better care you take of your braces, the faster and more successful your treatment will be!

If you have any questions or need advice, do not hesitate to contact your orthodontist. Keep smiling and stay committed to your journey toward a beautiful smile!

Until next time

-D-Care