If you are wearing traditional metal braces to correct tooth misalignments, there are some guidelines and best practices to follow in order to achieve optimum results. It’s also critical to establish good dental hygiene practices and eat a balanced diet. You can damage the metal braces if you don’t take adequate care of your teeth, which will cause your orthodontic treatment plan to be disrupted. Here are some pointers on how to properly care for your metal braces.
Select The Proper Toothpaste, Floss & Mouthwash
Your orthodontist will advise you to use the best mouthwash, floss, and toothpaste. This will diminish bacterial growth that can cause gum disease, cavities, and halitosis. Some oral health products contain abrasive or harsh substances that might cause metal braces to become damaged. When choosing floss, make sure it fits perfectly between your teeth and the bracket wires.
If you want fresh breath, using a mouthwash is a good idea. But, make sure it doesn’t contain bright red or green dyes, as they can stain the metal materials or the removable elastics of your braces. To keep your metal braces in optimal condition, follow your orthodontist’s instructions for what products to buy.
Brush Your Teeth To Get Rid Of Beverage And Food Debris
Brushing your teeth with metal braces is different as you have to be careful not to break the metal wires or dislodge a bracket while removing all of the food particles. You should use a toothbrush with softer bristles to avoid damaging your braces. Although, careful pressure is still necessary when brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth should include the following actions for a bright smile while also safeguarding your braces:
- Rinse your mouth with water to get rid of any leftover food.
- To eliminate the food particles accumulated in this area, angle the toothbrush along the gums.
- Brush away food particles from the tops of the brackets with an angled motion.
- Brush upward by angling the toothbrush towards the bottom of the brackets.
- Brush the front and back of each tooth in your mouth to remove bacteria.
Flossing Your Teeth At Lease Once A Day Is Important
You should floss at least once a day after acquiring the precise type of floss prescribed by your orthodontist. Flossing might help you avoid issues like tooth decay and foul breath. Floss your teeth properly with this procedure:
- Floss picks or floss thread can be used.
- To reach the rear teeth in your mouth, use a lengthy section of flossing thread.
- You can stand in front of the mirror while flossing to get a perfect view.
- Slip the floss between your teeth or under the wires with your fingertips.
- Pulling on the floss beneath a wire isn’t a good idea.
- If a section of floss or a floss pick is covered with debris, switch to a new area or a floss pick.
- To avoid gingivitis, focus on removing food debris from the gum area.
- After flossing, rinse your mouth thoroughly to eliminate any loose debris.
Carrying a floss container with you during the day is a great way to remove any food trapped between your teeth or on your braces.
Be Careful Of What You Are Eating
While you’re wearing metal braces, your teeth, gums, and alveolar bones require a lot of nutrition. For toddlers and teenagers who are rapidly growing, eating the healthiest foods is crucial. However, certain foods and beverages should be avoided in order to protect your braces’ wires and brackets. Your orthodontist will give you a list of foods such as nuts, sticky candies, popcorn, etc., to avoid after your metal braces are fitted.
You should eat soft meals that will not irritate your gums, tongue, or palate once your braces have been installed. Your mouth will adjust to the metal braces within a few days, and you can resume eating the way your orthodontist recommends.
Keeping these few measures in mind will help you avoid any problems. If you are looking for the best orthodontic treatment in Alexandria, VA, book an appointment with Perfect Smiles Orthodontics. Give us a call today!