Caring for Your Braces: Tips for a Healthy and Successful Treatment

When you start your orthodontic treatment with braces, it’s essential to understand how to care for them properly. Taking good care of your braces will help ensure a successful treatment outcome, prevent complications, and maintain oral health. In this blog post, we will provide tips on taking care of your braces, from daily cleaning to managing common issues that may arise during your treatment.

Brushing: Brushing your teeth at least twice daily, ideally after each meal, to remove food particles and plaque that can become trapped around your braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. When brushing, angle the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line and brush gently around each bracket and wire, ensuring you reach all surfaces of your teeth.

Flossing: Flossing with braces can be challenging, but it’s essential to maintain healthy gums and prevent cavities between your teeth. Use an orthodontic floss threader or a water flosser to help you clean between your teeth and around your braces.

Mouthwash: Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and plaque buildup around your braces. You can use a mouthwash recommended by your orthodontist and follow the directions on the label.

Regular dental check-ups: Continue to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings throughout your orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will monitor your oral health and help you maintain a clean and healthy smile.

Discomfort: It’s normal to experience discomfort when you get your braces or after adjustments. To alleviate pain, use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed. You can also use a cold compress on the affected area to help reduce inflammation and numb the pain.

Loose or broken brackets: If a bracket breaks loose, contact your orthodontist to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges and prevent irritation to your cheeks or lips.

Wire irritations: If a wire is poking or irritating your cheeks, lips, or gums, try using a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser to push the wire back into place gently. If this doesn’t work, cover the end of the wire with orthodontic wax and contact your orthodontist to schedule an appointment for repair.

Sores or ulcers: Braces can sometimes cause sores or ulcers inside your mouth. To alleviate discomfort, apply a topical oral anesthetic gel or rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution.

Proper care and maintenance of your braces are crucial for a successful orthodontic treatment and a healthy smile. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can keep your braces clean and well-maintained, preventing complications and ensuring a smooth treatment process. If you have any concerns or questions about caring for your braces, please get in touch with Indigo Orthodontics for guidance and support.

References:

American Association of Orthodontists. (n.d.). Taking Care of Your Braces. Retrieved from https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/parent-s-guide-post/taking-care-of-your-braces/

Oral-B. (n.d.). How to Floss with Braces. Retrieved from
https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/braces/how-to-floss-with-braces/

Colgate. (2021). How to Care for Braces: Tips and Tricks. Retrieved from
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/adult-orthodontics/how-to-care-for-braces-tips-and-tricks-0121