Why Proper Braces Care Is Essential for Your Orthodontic Journey
When you invest in orthodontic treatment, proper maintenance becomes your pathway to achieving that perfect smile. Braces create new spaces in your mouth where food particles can hide, making daily care crucial for preventing cavities, gum disease, and staining. Our team at Taft Hill Orthodontics has designed a comprehensive guide to help you confidently navigate braces care.
Daily Cleaning Essentials: How to Keep Your Braces Spotless
Brushing Techniques That Make a Difference
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with braces requires special attention to detail. Follow these expert-recommended brushing techniques:
- Brush after every meal and snack – Food particles trapped in braces can lead to plaque buildup, increasing your risk of cavities and gum inflammation
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush – Angle it at 45 degrees to clean both above and below the brackets
- Brush down from the top and up from the bottom on each tooth with a bracket
- Spend at least 2 minutes brushing – Divide your mouth into four sections and spend 30 seconds on each
- Consider an electric toothbrush – Many patients find these more effective at cleaning around brackets and wires
Flossing Methods for Braces Wearers
Flossing with braces might seem challenging, but these techniques make it manageable:
- Use a floss threader or threadable floss – Thread regular floss through the eye of the threader, similar to threading a needle
- Insert the pointed end between the teeth but below the archwire
- Gently move back and forth until the floss passes between teeth
- Carefully floss the two adjacent teeth, being careful not to pull against the archwire
- Repeat between all teeth – Yes, every single one!
The Power of Proxabrushes (Christmas Tree Brushes)
After regular brushing, a Proxabrush becomes your secret weapon:
- Place the brush between two brackets, below the archwire
- Brush up and down several times
- Repeat by inserting from the opposite direction
- This removes debris your regular toothbrush might miss
Food Restrictions: What to Avoid During Orthodontic Treatment
Hard Foods That Can Damage Your Braces
Your brackets and wires can be damaged by hard foods, potentially extending your treatment time. Avoid these common culprits:
- Hard Candy – Can break brackets instantly
- Nuts – Hard texture can bend wires
- Chips – Hard corners can snap brackets
- Popcorn Kernels – can lodge under wires
- Ice – Extremely damaging to orthodontic work
- Corn on the Cob – Can dislodge brackets when biting
- Whole Apples – Cut into small pieces instead
- Raw Carrots – Too hard for braces to handle
- Crusty Bread – Can bend wires and break brackets
Sticky Foods That Threaten Your Treatment
Sticky foods can pull at brackets and wires, causing damage that needs professional repair:
- Chewing Gum – Gets tangled in wires and brackets
- Taffy – Extremely adhesive, can pull brackets off
- Caramel – Sticks to braces and is difficult to clean
- Tootsie Rolls® – Too chewy for braces
- Sugar Daddies® – Known to damage orthodontic work
- Starburst® – Too sticky for safe consumption
- Skittles® – The chewy texture can damage wires
- Licorice – Can get caught between brackets
What to Do During Orthodontic Emergencies
Even with the best care, braces emergencies can happen. Here’s how to handle common issues:
Loose Bracket or Band
If a bracket or band comes loose:
- Save any detached pieces
- Cover sharp edges with orthodontic wax
Poking Wire
When a wire extends out and irritates your cheek:
- Try pushing it back with a pencil eraser
- Cover with orthodontic wax if needed
- Never cut a wire yourself
- Contact us for assistance
Mouth Sores
Braces can sometimes cause irritation:
- Rinse with warm salt water (1tsp salt in 8oz water)
- Apply orthodontic wax to the brackets, causing irritation
- Use an over-the-counter oral anesthetic like Orajel®
Advanced Cleaning Tools for Braces Wearers
We recommend these additional tools to enhance your braces care routine:
Water Flossers
Water flossers like Waterpik® can remove up to 99% of plaque from treated areas and are up to 50% more effective than traditional floss for braces wearers. The pulsating water reaches places traditional brushing might miss.
Fluoride Mouthwash
A fluoride mouthwash provides extra protection against cavities during orthodontic treatment. Swish for 60 seconds after brushing to strengthen enamel and reduce white spot lesions.
Orthodontic Wax
This clear, pliable wax can be applied to brackets or wires that cause irritation. Simply pinch off a small piece, roll into a ball, and press onto the problematic area.
Protecting Your Braces During Sports and Activities
If you play sports or participate in active hobbies, protecting your braces is crucial:
- Get a custom mouthguard – Regular mouthguards don’t accommodate braces
- Always wear your mouthguard during contact and non-contact sports
- Remove before eating or drinking (except water)
- Clean regularly with cool water and mild soap
Routine Check-ups: Why They Matter
Regular appointments are essential for:
- Adjusting wires to keep teeth moving correctly
- Checking for any issues with brackets or bands
- Monitoring your overall progress
- Addressing any concerns about your treatment
Taft Hill Orthodontics use advanced technology like iTero digital scanning and 3D printing to ensure your treatment stays on track.
Life After Braces: What to Expect
When your braces come off, your orthodontic journey isn’t quite complete. You’ll need to:
- Wear your retainer as prescribed – This prevents teeth from shifting back
- Continue excellent oral hygiene – Your newly aligned teeth deserve proper care
- Schedule regular dental cleanings – Professional cleanings help maintain your new smile
- Avoid habits that can shift teeth – Like nail biting or chewing on pens
Why Choose Taft Hill Orthodontics
Taft Hill Orthodontics offers:
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs
- Cutting-edge technology, including iTero scanners, digital X-rays, and KLOwen custom braces
- Multiple treatment options, including traditional braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign®
- Experienced orthodontists – Our orthodontics bring years of specialized training
- Comfortable, welcoming environment for patients of all ages
If you’d like to learn more, book an appointment here.