Dentists use orthodontic braces to physically alter the position of teeth and jaws. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to change the way a patient’s face, teeth, and jaws look and function.
By straightening teeth, for example, a patient’s bite can be corrected so that it functions more efficiently. Braces are usually recommended if you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Overbites are when the top teeth are farther out than the bottom teeth, and underbites are when the bottom teeth are farther out than the top teeth.
But it’s important to wear & maintain your braces to keep their condition well.
In this blog post, we have shared a few tips for you to maintain your braces.
1. Brushing
Brushing your teeth is very important, and the goal should be to brush after every meal or snack. Food can break down on your teeth the longer it sticks around, and it can also lead to plaque buildup. This can cause tooth deterioration and stains. To ensure clean brackets, brush them as well! If you really want some extra power for your brushing, you could use an electric toothbrush. However, a regular toothbrush will work just as well.
Recommended post: 7 Best tips to keep your teeth clean
2. Flossing
You can use floss to prevent cavities, the pain of sensitive teeth, and the annoyance of braces. Every day you should use a piece of clean dental floss to slide between your teeth. Threading your dental floss through your teeth will not only combat these issues; it will make your teeth move better and faster too.
3. Mouthwash
For a cleaner mouth, use mouthwash to reduce plaque and gingivitis which will help keep your braces cleaner due to fewer bacteria in the mouth. Use mouthwash every day to prevent bad breath and keep your mouth, teeth, and gums clean.
4. Disclosing tablets
Plaque is a problem for many people. It can accumulate in hard-to-reach places and cause tooth decay. A way to help yourself monitor plaque is to use disclosing tablets. The tablets will show you where this plaque is accumulating. Ask your orthodontist if he thinks these tablets would be helpful for you.
5. Wax
Clean your teeth first and then cover the remaining pokey areas of your mouth with wax, which your orthodontist can provide.
Food to avoid while using braces
Ice: Avoid chewing ice while wearing a dental brace, because the pressure of the ice against your braces can weaken the structure of the wire and lead to breakage.
Hard chips: One of the worst things you can do when wearing a dental brace is to eat hard chips. Not only because they’re hard to chew, but also because they can cause damage to your teeth and mouth.
Raw veggies: Raw veggies and raw carrots, apples, and nuts can break off brackets and get stuck in your teeth.
Soda: Avoid drinking soda while you’re wearing a dental brace because it can cause the metal brackets to erode.
Nuts: Avoid eating nuts while wearing a dental brace because the nuts can get stuck in the wires and cause damage.
