Braces are a fantastic treatment to help you create a beautiful smile – if you are unhappy with the appearance, crooked teeth, spaces or even overlapping teeth , Braces can fix these issues ( in most cases ) .. And we have seen a rise in adult orthodontics ( brace treatments ) over the last few years as well as more and more people become more concerned with the overall appearance of their smiles …
Once you have your new brace it is extremely important to ensure you know how adapt your oral hygiene routine .. Taking care of your teeth and gums becomes extra important when you wear braces, and caring for them means taking the time to brush your teeth and floss / use interdental brushes regularly. You’ll want to be gentle when you brush or floss in order to avoid damaging the wires and brackets. You will also need to consider your diet
You should be prepared for the fact that taking care of your teeth will be more difficult once you get braces. Braces have countless tiny spaces to trap food, and this trapped food causes plaque, which can lead to many other dental problems. Because of this, it’s very important to brush your teeth after every meal (snacks count, too), to rinse with mouthwash, and to floss.
LS1 Dental Leeds as a few simple tips and advice on how to care for your brace ..
* Flossing – creating a flossing routine is important during orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists and hygienists may recommend interdental brushes or floss threaders to make getting in between teeth easier. – this will take a little practice to master but don’t give up-
* Brushing routine – using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush are ideal for cleaning teeth with braces. Begin brushing at a 45-degree angle at the gum line using small circular motions. Then place the toothbrush on top of the brackets, angling down to brush on top of each bracket. Finally, reposition the brush to brush the bottom of the bracket as well as the wire, angling the toothbrush up.
* Dental Hygienist – try to attend regularly for cleans , as this will help you stay on top of any problem areas, it will also give you the opportunity to get advice and tips from the hygienist to any areas you may be struggling with
* Fluoride mouthwash – after brushing and flossing, rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to help prevent cavities and white spots.
* Mouthguards – If you play contact sports you should invest in a mouthguard , mouthguards can help protect your cheek and lips from sustaining cuts and can help prevent damage to the brace its self – speak to your dentist about the options available to you
* Diet – Eating the wrong foods can damage or even break your brace. For the first few days, it may be better to keep to soft foods.
Avoid sticky, chewy and sugary foods. Chewing gum is not recommended as it can stick to your brace. Avoid hard foods such as whole apples, carrots, French bread and crusty rolls. These foods could break the wires and brackets that are part of your brace.At first it is best to cut your food into small pieces and keep to a soft diet.
Avoid fizzy drinks, sodas, pops, carbonated drinks and natural fruit juices, as these are often high in sugar and can be acidic. This can lead to tooth decay and erosion. Fizzy drinks can also stain the brackets of your brace. If you do drink these types of drinks, don’t sip the drink – use a straw instead. Water and plain milk are the safest drinks.
LS1 Dental offers appointments with our Hygienist to registered and non- registered patients – so if you would like any help or advice on the aftercare of your brace please just contact the team hygienist
