Whether metal or transparent, modern braces are engineered to allow for quick, painless brushing. But, wearing braces for a longer period may need you to change your lifestyle. In this post, we will consider the things you need to consider when wearing braces.
Restrictions and recommendations are a must if you wear conventional metal braces to address tooth misalignments. In addition to eating the right foods, it’s important to practice good dental hygiene.
Damage to your metal braces might affect your orthodontic treatment in Calgary plan if you don’t take adequate care of your teeth.
Here are a few pointers on properly caring for your metal braces and keeping your oral hygiene intact.
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Caring for your teeth after braces
When you wear metal braces, brushing your teeth may be a challenge because you must be cautious not to damage the wires or dislodge a bracket while removing all of the food particles built up. A careful touch is still required to brush your teeth, even if you use a toothbrush with softer bristles to prevent harming your braces.
It’s advised to avoid hard and sticky foods when wearing braces since they might harm them.
Here is a short but likely incomplete list of foods you should avoid while in braces:
Hard and crunchy foods: Chewing ice, nuts, popcorn, hard candy, whole apples and carrots (unless cut into bite-sized pieces), corn on the cob, and hard bread.
Extra-sticky foods: Laughy Taffy or Starbursts or similar candies.
Chewy foods: Pizza crust or beef jerky, gummy bears. Note: no chewing on pencils or pens.
Super-sugary foods and drinks: If you eat sugary foods, make sure to brush as soon as possible afterwards.
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Regular Flossing
Flossing while having braces might be difficult, but it’s an important part of any dental hygiene practice. It helps to eliminate any plaque build-up and any food particles lodged in braces or between teeth. Consider floss threaders or interdental brushes if you find it difficult to floss using flossing tape.
You may get them at a grocery store or drugstore, and they will assist you in navigating your brackets. When flossing, remember to be gentle. If you exert too much force or move too rapidly, you might damage your braces, necessitating a return visit to the dentist for extensive orthodontic therapy!
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Brushing
When wearing braces, brushing and flossing at least twice a day is critical to keep your teeth and gums healthy following treatment. Patients who aren’t diligent about brushing and flossing may need to see the dentist more often to have their teeth professionally cleaned. Before beginning orthodontic treatment, those who have had gum disease in the past should contact a periodontist.
If you decide to use an electric toothbrush, ensure it is simple to use and comfortable to hold. Your dentist may recommend a model with a rotating-oscillating brush head or a type with very quick vibrating bristles. Additional features, such as programmable timers and batteries that may be recharged, are available as options. To guarantee that the toothbrush continues to function properly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing the head.
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Toothpaste, Floss, and Mouthwash
To avoid cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, ask your dentist about the best mouthwash, floss, and toothpaste. Due to abrasive or harsh ingredients in several oral health procedures, metal braces may rust. Make sure your floss is long enough to reach the bracket wires and back again.
Use Oral Irrigator
An oral irrigator might help you eliminate more plaque and food debris from your mouth. When you’re done using it, you may fill its tank with fresh water from the countertop and then use it. Moderate pressure water emitted from the irrigator’s tank is used to remove food particles, germs, and plaque from patients’ gums, teeth, and braces. To prevent brushing or flossing, use this gadget to supplement your dental hygiene. You may only need to use an oral irrigator once a week if your orthodontist tells you to.
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Wear it everyday
You want to ensure that your teeth remain in their ideal place now that they’ve been properly adjusted. Wearing your retainer all day, every day, is the most effective method. Depending on your circumstances, you may be advised to wear it while you aren’t eating or solely at night by our office.
Regardless, this is a critical step that should not be overlooked. After years of braces, there is nothing worse than having your teeth migrate back to where they were before. Your retainer will aid in keeping your teeth in the position you choose.
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Cleaning your braces
When brushing around your braces, you don’t need to use a particular one; just make sure you spend 60-90 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth and do this every four to six minutes. After each meal, it is recommended that you clean your teeth at least two times a day or more often. Flossing your teeth regularly is just as vital as brushing.
There are several options to assist with flossing with braces.
Water Flossing: As an alternative to standard dental floss, you might use this device that sprays a continuous stream of water between your teeth and around your braces to remove any food particles your brush may have missed.
Interproximal brushes: You may get rid of food particles lodged between your wires using interproximal brushes.
Floss Threaders: To floss normally, you will need floss threaders, which enable you to weave regular dental floss under the wires.
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For athletes
The particular measures you should take if you participate in sports should be discussed. Playing contact sports necessitates the use of a mouthguard. You should inspect your mouth and dental equipment quickly if you have been involved in an accident affecting the face.
Make an appointment as soon as possible if your dentures or bridges become loose or broken. Meanwhile, address your aches and pains as if they were normal ailments.
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Wrapping Up
Good dental hygiene is important at every stage of life, but it is especially important when you have braces because it can keep your teeth from getting stained, protect the health of your gums, and stop bad breath. If you can, it’s best to brush your teeth after every meal. If you can’t brush your teeth right away, you might be able to get rid of plaque, tartar, and food buildup by rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash.
