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Getting quality braces from Orthodontic Associates is an exciting step toward achieving a straight and healthy smile, but it also requires some extra attention to your oral hygiene. Proper care for your braces is essential to ensure your treatment progresses smoothly and your teeth stay healthy throughout the process. In this blog, we’ll share expert tips and tricks on how to care for your braces so you can maintain a clean, bright smile during your orthodontic journey.
Brushing With Braces: The Right Technique
Brushing your teeth becomes even more critical when you have braces. Food particles and plaque are notorious for getting trapped around the braces' brackets and wires, which can lead to cavities or gum issues if not properly cleaned. To effectively care for your braces, brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a dentist-approved fluoride toothpaste. Angle your toothbrush at 45 degrees to clean around each bracket, and be sure to gently brush your gums and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Spending extra time brushing is essential to keeping both your teeth and braces clean.
Flossing With Braces: A Must-Do
Flossing can be a little tricky with braces, but it’s an important part of how to care for your braces. Flossing helps remove the aforementioned food particles, and plaque from between your teeth, areas that are brushing alone can’t reach. To make it easier, use orthodontic floss threaders or a water flosser to navigate around your wires. Both options allow you to clean between your teeth without damaging your braces or causing discomfort.
In addition, floss at least once a day, ideally before bed, to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment. You can also use interdental brushes to help clean around your brackets and wires for extra thoroughness.
Avoiding Certain Foods: What to Skip
When learning how to care for your braces, avoiding certain foods is vital to preventing damage. Sticky, chewy, and hard foods can cause brackets to break or wires to bend, which can delay your treatment. Avoid foods like caramel, gum, popcorn, and hard candies. Instead, opt for softer foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soft fruits. If you’re craving something crunchy, make sure to cut it into smaller, more manageable pieces to avoid putting too much pressure on your braces.
Protecting Your Braces During Physical Activity
If you play sports or engage in physical activities, it’s important to take extra steps to protect your braces. Mouthguards are essential in preventing damage to your braces and your mouth. A custom orthodontic mouthguard can provide better protection than a regular one since it’s designed to fit comfortably over your braces. At Orthodontic Associates, we can help you find the right mouthguard to keep your smile safe during any activity.
Regular Orthodontic Checkups and Adjustments
How to care for your braces also involves keeping up with regular checkups and adjustments. Visiting your orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks allows us to monitor your overall progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure your treatment with braces stays on track. Skipping appointments can extend your treatment time or lead to complications, so it’s essential to attend every scheduled visit. During these appointments, we’ll also check for any potential issues, like loose brackets or wires, and provide additional guidance on maintaining optimal oral hygiene with braces. Remember, consistent visits will keep your smile on the right path to success.
Your Partner in Braces Care
Learning how to care for your braces is an essential part of your orthodontic treatment journey. By following these tips for brushing, flossing, avoiding certain foods, and protecting your braces, you can maintain excellent oral hygiene and ensure your treatment stays on schedule.
At Orthodontic Associates, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re just getting braces or are in the midst of your treatment, our team is here to help you achieve the healthy smile you deserve. Contact Orthodontic Associates today to schedule a complimentary consult at one of our offices in Lima, Celina, or Ottawa, Ohio.
