Teeth braces

6 Tips for Maintaining Teeth Braces

The effectiveness of orthodontic treatment greatly hinges on adhering to the guidance of an orthodontist, which includes ensuring good dental care and proper appliance maintenance to prevent plaque buildup and other dental issues.

In this article from Dr. Basel Mofti’s clinic in Dubai, we present six practical tips for keeping your teeth braces clean and getting the most out of your results.

Oral hygiene care with teeth braces

You’re aware that maintaining oral hygiene is crucial at all stages of life. However, when you use orthodontic devices, the task becomes more challenging, particularly in preventing discoloration, safeguarding gum health, and avoiding bad breath.

This is because braces and orthodontic appliances contain small spaces that attract food particles, resulting in teeth discoloration, alongside various oral health issues. This underscores the utmost importance of caring for orthodontic devices by brushing your teeth after every meal.

If you’re unable to do so – for instance, when you’re away from home – rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash can help remove plaque and food buildup until you can access your toothbrush.

Orthodontic care tips

Here are six tips to help you care for your teeth braces during your orthodontic journey. These tips include:

1. Daily Cleaning with a Toothbrush and Floss

It’s crucial to clean your teeth thoroughly with a toothbrush and floss after every meal to remove any accumulated food particles. Pay special attention to cleaning all tooth surfaces and around your orthodontic appliances. Daily cleaning of your teeth and braces helps prevent the buildup of bacteria that can lead to tooth decay or gum inflammation.

2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride in toothpaste helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities. Since wearing braces makes teeth more susceptible to cavities, orthodontic specialists recommend using fluoride toothpaste to maintain dental health…

3. Use a Braces-Specific Toothbrush

Clean your braces with a specialized, firm-bristle toothbrush daily to remove any food residues. Orthodontic devices need to be rinsed thoroughly after cleaning to eliminate bacteria.

4. Adherence to Orthodontic Adjustment Appointments

It’s essential to adhere to regular appointments with your orthodontist to ensure that your braces are adjusted or modified as needed, guaranteeing the effectiveness of the orthodontic treatment and the desired results.

5. Use Orthodontic Wax

Using specially formulated orthodontic wax can reduce irritation and discomfort caused by the pressure of orthodontic appliances on teeth and gums. It also helps minimize the occurrence of sores and inflammation. Orthodontic wax acts as a barrier between the braces’ wires and the mouth, providing a smooth surface to protect against protruding arch wires and sharp edges.

6. Avoid Sticky Foods

It’s advisable to avoid sticky, hard, and other types of foods that can affect your braces to reduce the risk of brace damage or breakage.”

These tips will help you maintain your braces effectively and achieve the best results during your orthodontic treatment.

What foods should I avoid with teeth braces?

When you have teeth braces, it’s advisable to avoid certain foods to prevent damaging your orthodontic appliances and to maintain good oral hygiene. Here’s a list of foods to avoid:

  1. Sticky and Chewy Foods: These can get lodged in your braces and are challenging to clean properly. Examples include caramel, taffy, gummy candies, and chewing gum.
  2. Crunchy Foods: Hard and crunchy foods can break or bend the wires and brackets of your braces. Avoid things like popcorn, hard taco shells, and ice.
  3. Hard Foods: These can damage your braces and teeth. Examples include nuts, hard candies, and raw carrots.
  4. Foods Requiring Forceful Biting: Foods like apples, corn on the cob, and whole carrots should be cut into smaller, manageable pieces to avoid damaging your braces.
  5. Sugary and Acidic Foods and Drinks: These can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion. Limit your intake of sugary snacks, sodas, and sports drinks.
  6. Chewy Bread: Bagels, pizza crust, and other tough bread can be problematic. Tear them into small pieces or let them soften before consuming.
  7. Tough Meats: Meat that requires a lot of chewing, like steak, should be sliced into smaller, more manageable portions.
  8. Corn on the Cob: While delicious, it’s best to remove the kernels from the cob to avoid damage to your braces.
  9. Hard Pretzels: These can break brackets and wires.
  10. Sticky Condiments: Be cautious with condiments like caramel or peanut butter, which can adhere to your braces and be hard to clean.

Remember to follow your orthodontist’s guidelines, maintain good oral hygiene, and be mindful of what you eat to ensure a successful orthodontic treatment and minimize the risk of complications.

How often should I brush my teeth with braces?

While people typically need to brush their teeth only twice a day, the situation is different when it comes to wearing fixed braces. It’s advisable to clean your teeth after every meal.

Therefore, keeping a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste in your bag is an easy way to ensure that your mouth stays clean throughout the day.

In conclusion

Neglecting oral hygiene during your journey to improve your smile and straighten your teeth can lead to serious oral health problems, require additional time for orthodontic treatment, or result in unsightly plaque buildup on your teeth.

Therefore, it is essential to follow the advice provided in this article and adhere to your dentist’s instructions on how to maintain the cleanliness and safety of your orthodontic appliances to avoid any medical complications.

If you have any questions about caring for braces, reach out to Dr. Basel Mofti, the best American orthodontist in Dubai, for an online medical consultation.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment, you can schedule an appointment to meet Dr. Basel Mofti. He will examine and diagnose your condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

For appointments and inquiries, contact us now!

Edited by: Dr. Basel Mofti’s clinic team©

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