Orthodontic treatment, whether through braces or clear aligners, can greatly improve your smile, but it also requires careful attention to oral hygiene. During treatment, keeping your teeth and gums healthy becomes even more important to avoid issues such as cavities, gum disease, and staining around brackets or attachments. At Aesthetic Dentistry of Palm City, Drs. Shannon & Tom Galinis and Dr. T.L. Plymale emphasize that maintaining proper dental care during orthodontic treatment can ensure you achieve the best results. Here’s how to care for your teeth during this transformative time.
1. Brushing Techniques for Braces and Aligners
Braces, whether metal or ceramic, create more nooks and crannies for food and plaque to accumulate, making regular brushing even more essential. Here’s how to brush properly with braces:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. An orthodontic toothbrush with a V-shaped bristle design can also help clean around brackets.
- Brush after every meal. With braces, brushing twice a day is no longer enough. Food particles can easily get stuck around the brackets, leading to plaque buildup. Carry a travel toothbrush to clean your teeth after meals or snacks.
- Use a 45-degree angle to brush above, below, and around your braces. Take your time and focus on brushing each tooth individually, especially around the brackets.
- Don’t forget your tongue. Brushing your tongue helps remove bacteria and keeps your breath fresh, an important step while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
If you’re wearing clear aligners, remove them when brushing and ensure you clean both your teeth and the aligners thoroughly. Use a soft-bristled brush on your aligners and rinse them with lukewarm water. Avoid using toothpaste on your aligners as it can cause scratches.
2. The Importance of Flossing
Flossing can be more challenging with braces, but it’s just as important—if not more so—during orthodontic treatment. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
- Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to get between your braces and teeth. Thread the floss carefully under the wire of your braces and gently floss between each tooth.
- Consider water flossers. A water flosser (oral irrigator) is an excellent alternative for people who struggle with traditional flossing while wearing braces. Water flossers use a stream of water to clean between teeth and braces, making it easier to remove trapped debris.
- Floss daily. Even though it takes more time with braces, flossing at least once a day is essential for maintaining healthy gums during orthodontic treatment.
Flossing is simpler for those with clear aligners since you can remove the aligners to access your teeth. Be diligent about daily flossing to avoid plaque buildup that could compromise your orthodontic results.
3. Rinsing with Mouthwash
Adding an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to your routine can further protect your teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash to help prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride is particularly important during orthodontic treatment because the brackets and wires can make it harder to clean your teeth effectively.
- Antimicrobial mouthwashes can help reduce plaque and bacteria, protecting your gums and keeping bad breath at bay.
Swish with mouthwash after brushing and flossing to ensure your mouth stays as clean as possible. However, avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can dry out your mouth and irritate your gums.
4. Orthodontic Wax for Comfort
While braces are effective in straightening teeth, they can sometimes cause discomfort, especially in the early stages of treatment. Orthodontic wax is a simple solution to prevent sores and irritation caused by braces’ metal components.
- Apply orthodontic wax to brackets or wires that are irritating the inside of your mouth. This creates a smooth barrier and prevents further discomfort.
- Change the wax regularly, especially after eating or brushing, to keep it clean.
If you don’t already have wax, ask your orthodontist for some. Using wax regularly can prevent irritation from becoming a more significant issue.
5. Stick to an Orthodontic-Friendly Diet
During orthodontic treatment, your eating habits may need to change to avoid damaging your braces or aligners. Some foods can easily get trapped in brackets or wires, while others can cause breakage or bending.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods. Popcorn, caramel, gum, and hard candy can damage your braces. Biting into whole apples or raw carrots can also stress your brackets.
- Cut food into small pieces. Cut foods that you would typically bite into, such as sandwiches, burgers, or fruit into smaller, bite-sized portions. This makes them easier to eat and reduces the risk of damaging your braces.
- Be mindful of sugary foods and drinks. Sugary snacks and beverages like soda and sports drinks can cause plaque buildup around your braces, leading to decay and discoloration.
For those with aligners, always remove your aligners when eating to avoid trapping food particles between the aligners and your teeth.
6. Regular Check-Ups and Cleanings
Even with the most diligent at-home care, professional cleanings and check-ups are essential during orthodontic treatment. Your dentist can clean areas that are hard to reach with braces and monitor your oral health to catch any potential problems early.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings. It is recommended that you have your teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months. Depending on your specific situation, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings.
- Orthodontic adjustments are also critical. Regular visits to your orthodontist for adjustments are necessary to track the progress of your treatment and ensure everything is going according to plan.
By staying on top of your appointments, you can make sure your teeth stay in optimal health throughout the duration of your orthodontic treatment.
7. Dealing with Orthodontic Emergencies
While rare, orthodontic emergencies can occur. These might include broken brackets, loose wires, or extreme discomfort. It’s essential to know how to handle these situations.
- If a bracket or wire is broken, you can use orthodontic wax to temporarily cover the area until you can see your orthodontist. Avoid fixing the bracket yourself, as this could cause more damage.
- If you are in discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers can help, and orthodontic wax can protect your mouth from irritation.
It’s a good idea to keep your orthodontist’s contact information handy so you can quickly address any issues.
Preparing for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile and dental health, and proper care is crucial for achieving the best results. Brushing, flossing, and sticking to a braces-friendly diet can protect your teeth and gums throughout treatment. Following these tips and regular dental check-ups will help ensure that your smile is healthy, beautiful, and long-lasting once your braces or aligners are removed.
If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment and need more tips on caring for your teeth, the Aesthetic Dentistry of Palm City team is here to help. Drs. Shannon & Tom Galinis and Dr. T.L. Plymale can provide expert advice to ensure your teeth remain healthy and strong throughout your treatment.
Sources:
- McLaughlin, R. P., Bennett, J. C., & Trevisi, H. J. (2001). Systemized Orthodontic Treatment Mechanics. Mosby.
- Zachrisson, B. U. (1976). Cause and prevention of injuries to teeth and supporting structures during orthodontic treatment. American Journal of Orthodontics.
- Littlewood, S. J., Millett, D. T., & Doubleday, B. (2006). Retention procedures for stabilizing tooth position after treatment with orthodontic braces. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
