Braces can be a life-changing investment for those who want to achieve a straighter, more confident smile, but they require proper care and maintenance to ensure the best results. From cleaning your teeth, to flossing, to eating the right foods, there are several steps you can take to keep your braces in good condition. That’s why we’ve put together this guide with all the information you need on how to take care of braces, so read on to explore our braces care routine.
Caring for Your Braces
Knowing how to take care of braces is essential if you want to see the best possible results from your treatment. Neglecting your braces can lead to gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems, which can prolong your treatment time and result in additional costs
By following a good braces care routine, you can help to ensure that your teeth move into the correct position and that you achieve the straight, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. Regular care will also prevent damage to your braces, such as broken brackets or wires, and ensure that your braces work properly. Whilst braces might be uncomfortable at first, regular maintenance will also alleviate discomfort and soreness, and keep your braces feeling comfortable throughout your treatment.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Braces can make it difficult to clean your teeth properly, so it's important to brush and floss regularly to prevent any plaque build-up. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean around the brackets and wires, and floss daily to remove any food particles or plaque that may be trapped between your teeth and braces.
For the best results, be sure to thoroughly clean your teeth and braces at least twice a day, and use an interspace brush to clean under the wire. It is also recommended to use a fluoride mouthwash once a day to tackle the hard-to-reach areas.
Attend Regular Checkups
It’s important to attend all of your scheduled appointments and to follow any instructions given to you by your orthodontist. During these appointments, your dentist will check the progress of your treatment, monitor the health of your teeth and gums, and make any necessary adjustments to your braces, ensuring that your treatment stays on track for the best results.
Regular check-ups and adjustments can also help to prevent any potential issues from developing, as your dentist can identify any problems early on and take steps to correct them before they become more serious.
Eat the Right Foods
When you have braces, it’s important to be mindful of the foods you eat. Some foods can cause damage to your braces, while others can get stuck in the brackets and wires, making it difficult to keep your teeth clean. Here are some foods to avoid whilst wearing braces:
- Hard foods: Hard foods, such as nuts, popcorn, and hard candy, can break or damage your braces.
- Sticky and chewy foods: Sticky and chewy foods, such as gum, caramel, and taffy, can get stuck in your braces and make it difficult to keep your teeth clean.
- Sugary foods: Sugary foods, such as candy and soda, can contribute to tooth decay and other dental problems.
- Foods that require biting into: Foods that require biting into, such as apples and carrots, can damage your braces or get stuck in the brackets and wires.
Instead, opt for softer, cleaner foods that are easier to chew, including:
- Soft foods: Soft foods, such as cooked vegetables, soft fruits, and yoghurt, are easy to eat and won’t damage your braces.
- Protein-rich foods: Protein-rich foods, such as chicken, fish, and beans, are important for maintaining good oral health and won’t damage your braces.
- Grains: Whole grains, such as rice and pasta, are a good source of fibre and won’t damage your braces.
- Dairy: Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, are important for maintaining good oral health and won’t damage your braces.
Be Patient
Orthodontic treatment can take time, and it's important to be patient and follow your braces care routine and any further instructions. Be sure to maintain your braces for the duration of the treatment, and keep in mind that the end result will be a beautiful, healthy smile that you can be proud of.
Retainers
Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment. They are used to maintain the position of your teeth after your braces have been removed, ensuring that your teeth don’t shift back to their original position.
Caring for your retainers is important to ensure that they stay in good condition and continue to work effectively. Here are some tips for caring for your retainers:
- Clean your retainers regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Avoid soaking your retainers in hot water or mouthwash, as this can damage them.
- Store your retainers in a clean, dry case when you’re not wearing them.
- Don’t chew on your retainers or use them to open packages, as this can damage them.
- If your retainers become damaged or broken, contact your orthodontist immediately for a replacement to continue your treatment.
Book Your Braces Appointment
At Marsh House Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve the straight, healthy smile they’ve always wanted. Our team of experienced orthodontists offers a range of orthodontic treatments, including braces and clear aligners, to suit your individual needs and preferences.
To learn more about our orthodontic treatments, or to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced orthodontists, contact us today.