Taking Care of Your Teeth While You Wear Braces
It’s a little more difficult to take care of your oral hygiene while wearing braces. It takes more effort to properly clean your teeth with the metal wires surrounding them. Oral hygiene during the time you have braces is crucial if you want to assure that you don’t create problems for your teeth after the braces are removed. Although you see your Orthodontist, it’s important to maintain a regular schedule of checkups and professional cleaning with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS.
How to take Care of Your Teeth While Wearing Braces
Wearing braces will make your teeth straight and aesthetically beautiful, but it also makes toothbrushing more critical than before due to plaque build-up.
Taking care of your teeth while wearing braces will help ensure that you don’t have issues after the they are removed. Follow these guidelines:
- Prior to brushing your teeth remove rubber bands and other pieces and parts of them that can be removed (expanders, etc.).
- Rinse your mouth with water before you brush to remove any food that may be lodged in your braces.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Make sure the toothbrush has a smaller head to clean your teeth and your braces. Some orthodontists recommend using interdental brushes for brushing under your wires.
- Brush your teeth after each meal using a circular motion and brushing at a 45-degree angle above and below the wires to properly clean them.
- Each tooth requires individual attention especially near the gum line. Be sure to clean all tooth surfaces, front, back, and top.
- Maintain your routine dental checkup and professional cleaning every six months. This is especially crucial while you’re wearing braces. You may be more susceptible to cavities and inflammation of the gums during this time, so a dental examination is critical.
Floss Your Teeth
Flossing your teeth can be more challenging while wearing braces, but it is even more crucial than ever for healthy teeth and gums. There are flossing tools that will help make flossing easier!
- Waxed floss – Using unwaxed floss can get caught in the braces, leaving small pieces of floss between your teeth, which causes tenderness or inflammation.
- Orthodontic floss threader – makes threading the floss behind the wires a cinch.
- Water flossers.such as WaterPik – uses water to clean plaque and remove food from between teeth and under the gums. It’s also helpful to remove debris from the brackets on your braces.
Keep Your Appointments with Your Orthodontist
Make sure to keep on track with your orthodontist. If you skip appointments, your braces might have to stay on longer, which can be damaging to your teeth. Most orthodontic treatment plans are usually from 18 months to three years. Regular appointments with your orthodontist and with Dr. Evanson will help see you through this important time of your life.
Teeth Whitening After Braces
Occasionally there is some tooth discoloration after braces are removed. What is the best way to avoid discoloration caused by braces? Regular brushing, flossing, along with regular checkups and professional cleanings at Dr. Evanson’s office.
If you notice staining, don’t get too concerned, since this can be a common condition. As a cosmetic and family dentist, Dr. Evanson offers the latest techniques to brighten almost everyone’s smile. The BriteSmile® teeth whitening method combines the newest advances in chemical formulas and dental technology with proven results.
If you’re concerned about your teeth after wearing braces, make an appointment with Dr. Evanson by calling (720) 409-0008 or contact us online. She will help restore a glistening white smile to accompany your newly straightened teeth.
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