Traditional orthodontic braces are the type that first comes to mind. They’re made of metal brackets fixed to the front surface of the teeth. Patients can typically pick different colors for the bands, making them a fun option for children – and adults!
In this blog on orthodontic home care for traditional braces, we’ll look at the following:
- How To Care For Braces At Home
- What Can Poor Braces Care Lead To?
- What To Avoid With Braces
- What Happens If I Have a Loose or Broken Band, Wire, or Bracket?
How To Care For Braces At Home
Once your braces are placed, you must maintain good oral health through proper cleaning practices at home. While braces are working to enhance your smile, they also make it easier for food to become lodged and more challenging to remove. Thankfully, when you practice good oral hygiene with your braces, you can keep your teeth clean and your braces functioning correctly.
Brushing and Flossing
To maintain oral health, brush and floss your teeth after every meal to avoid plaque and tartar buildup. Use a soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste, brushing softly in circular motions for best results. You should also carry a travel-sized brush and toothpaste if you need to dislodge food while away from home. Likewise, flossing is an integral part of your braces care routine. Water flossers are also helpful tools that spray water between brackets to remove food debris in hard-to-reach places.
Fluoride Mouthwash
Your dentist may prescribe a fluoride mouthwash or recommend a store-bought brand. Mouthwash can reach places that your toothbrush cannot. That said, mouth rinse is not effective on its own and must always be paired with proper brushing and flossing.
Mouthguards
If you play contact sports, your doctor can provide a mouthguard to protect your braces, teeth, and gums. A mouthguard fits your bite and secures your teeth and braces in place so that any impact won’t cause damage.
What Can Poor Braces Care Lead To?
When you don’t take care of your braces, it can lead to built-up tartar and plaque or damage to the brackets and wiring. These problems can escalate into worse complications, including gum disease, permanent teeth staining, and dysfunction of the braces that extend orthodontic treatment or add on expenses.
What To Avoid With Braces
As you go through your braces journey, it’s essential to know what to avoid to prevent bracket damage and keep them in their best condition. Avoid hard, sticky, chewy foods which can damage the brackets of the braces.
Similarly, eliminate sugary soft drinks that weaken tooth enamel over time, leading to cavities and staining. If you’re prone to chewing on hard objects like ice cubes and pencils, this can also damage the teeth’ brackets and lead to extended treatment or added costs.
What Happens If I Have a Loose or Broken Band, Wire, or Bracket?
If at any point you have a loose or broken bracket, band, or wire, make sure you contact your doctor for assistance. Leaving an issue unaddressed can lead to teeth not moving correctly, extending treatment time and potentially increasing expenses.
