If you’re considering braces, you may be wondering if they will make it harder to keep your teeth clean. The truth is, with proper care, braces should not make it more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene. Braces can help to improve the health of your teeth and gums by correcting alignment issues that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
If you have any concerns about keeping your teeth clean with braces, talk to your orthodontist or dentist. They can give you specific tips and advice on how to best care for your smile. In this blog, we will discuss the truth about braces and teeth cleaning.
What Are Braces And How Do They Work?
Braces are orthodontic appliances used to correct dental and jaw alignment. They work by gradually shifting teeth into their proper position over time. The process of getting braces usually takes place over several months to a year.
During this time, patients will typically need to visit the orthodontist for periodic adjustments. In some cases, patients may also need to wear a retainer after their braces are removed to keep their teeth in place. While wearing braces, it is important to take extra care of your teeth and gums. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, as well as avoiding hard or sticky foods that could damage your braces.
The Benefits Of Wearing Braces
Wearing braces can have several benefits for your oral health. They can help to straighten teeth that are crooked or crowded, and they can also help to close gaps between teeth. Braces can also be used to treat some bite problems. In addition, wearing braces can make it easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
The Best Ways To Clean Your Teeth With Braces
It’s no secret that braces can be a pain to keep clean. Food gets stuck in them, they’re hard to reach, and they can be really tough to brush and floss properly. But even though it may be a little more difficult to keep your teeth clean with braces, it’s still important to do everything you can to avoid cavities and gum disease.
Here are some tips for keeping your teeth clean with braces:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste designed for people with braces. Regular toothpaste is too abrasive for people with braces and can damage the enamel on your teeth.
- Brush your teeth after every meal, using circular motions and paying extra attention to the areas around your brackets and wire. Use a mirror so you can see what you’re doing, and don’t forget to brush your tongue!
- Floss at least once a day, using a floss threader or water flosser to get between those hard-to-reach spots. Be careful not to snap the wire when you’re flossing.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash every day. This will help kill any bacteria that brushing and flossing miss.
- See your orthodontist or dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. They’ll be able to spot any problems early on and give your teeth a good deep cleaning.
Maintain A Beautiful Smile While Having Braces
Braces and teeth cleaning will make it more difficult to clean your teeth, but with the right tools and techniques, it is possible. Choosing a toothbrush that has soft bristles, using an interdental brush or floss threader to get into hard-to-reach places, and being disciplined about brushing twice daily for two minutes each time can help you keep your mouth healthy even when wearing braces. With the proper care and attention to oral hygiene, it is still possible to maintain a beautiful smile while having braces – so don’t let them discourage you from getting a perfectly straight smile!
FAQs
1. How long do braces usually stay on?
In most cases, patients will need to wear braces for around 18 to 24 months. For more difficult problems or older patients, treatment may take up to three years. If you have less severe problems or are a good candidate for clear aligners like Invisalign, treatment may take as little as 6 to 12 months.
2. Do I need to see a dentist more often if I have braces?
Yes, you will need to see the dentist more often for checkups and cleanings while you have braces. This is because it’s important to keep an eye on your oral health while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
3. Will I need to get my teeth cleaned more often if I have braces?
No, you will not need to get your teeth cleaned more often if you have braces. Many orthodontists recommend that patients with braces get their teeth professionally cleaned every six months instead of every four months like most people without braces.