Congratulations on taking the step to better-aligned teeth and improved oral health by getting braces! Whether you have recently gotten braces, are planning to, or a loved one is getting or has them, understanding how to care for teeth when wearing braces is crucial for a successful outcome and improved oral health. Continue reading to learn how to care for your teeth when wearing braces so you can maintain excellent oral health and get the best results post-treatment!
Understanding Different Braces
Before we dive into how to care for your teeth when wearing braces, let’s discuss the different options for getting braces. Gone are the days when traditional metal braces were the only option; many dental and orthodontic offices provide more options to tailor treatment to each client. While traditional braces may be the best option, clear aligners might be best for another patient. Below are some differences to help you choose the best treatment for straightening and aligning teeth:
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces have been a popular choice for both kids and adults for many years. They use a system of brackets and wires to slowly shift teeth into a better alignment throughout the course of treatment. As the teeth move, the wires are regularly tightened or adjusted to keep the process on track.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work similarly to metal ones, using brackets and wires to guide teeth into the right position. The main difference between metal and ceramic braces is that the brackets are made from tooth-colored or clear ceramic, instead of metal, making them less noticeable. They’re a good choice for patients who want a more subtle look but prefer a fixed solution rather than the daily maintenance required with removable clear aligners.
Invisalign®/Clear Aligners
Clear aligners differ from metal or ceramic braces because they’re made of smooth, transparent plastic and are removable. Patients are responsible for putting them in and taking them out, often wearing them for most of the day, though some cases may only require overnight use. While their popularity continues to grow, clear aligners can offer patients several benefits, including a more discreet treatment.
Teeth Care with Braces
Taking care of your teeth while wearing braces can be a bit of a learning curve, but it’s crucial to maintain excellent oral health throughout treatment. Whether clear aligners, ceramic, or metal braces, you’ll want to be mindful of teeth care with braces. Below are some tips for teeth care with braces to maintain excellent oral hygiene:
Brush After Each Meal
You ideally brush and floss daily, preferably twice a day, but what about if you or a loved one has braces? If you have ceramic or metal braces, it’s best to brush your teeth after each meal to remove food particles that can get trapped between the braces and bands, making it difficult to remove food from all the nooks and crannies. Brushing after each meal, in addition to your regular brushing schedule, will help keep your mouth and braces cleaner.
Floss Daily
Flossing should already be part of your daily routine, but it’s crucial to remember to floss daily when you have braces. Flossing daily helps you to clean around the braces and remove plaque and food between your teeth. If you have ceramic or metal braces, flossing daily gets them and your teeth cleaner and healthier, leading to a successful orthodontic treatment.
Choose Healthier Snacks
Healthy teeth during orthodontic treatments are crucial for preventing cavities and limiting the build-up of plaque between the nooks and crannies in ceramic and metal braces. Choosing snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables, foods lower in sugar and rich in minerals, won’t stick to the teeth and are gentler on your enamel and braces. It’s proven that diet affects gum health, so consuming a healthy diet leads to a healthier body and gums.
Clean Invisalign®/Clear Aligners
Clear aligners and Invisalign® can be great options for those who desire removable aligners with an average of 6-18 months of treatment. However, they require patient compliance and need to be removed and cleaned multiple times a day throughout the course of treatment. Rinsing your Invisalign® or clear aligners in lukewarm water and brushing them gently after each use will keep them cleaner. Deep clean them regularly to keep them clean and reduce odors.
Schedule Checkups
Regardless of the type of braces you or a loved one has, keep and attend scheduled checkups for the best results and to maintain excellent teeth care with braces. Your orthodontist or dentist will make adjustments accordingly to ensure you’re on track with your treatment and can offer recommendations for maintaining excellent oral hygiene throughout the course of treatment.
Trust Rhoades Family Dentistry to Help You Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene Throughout Braces Treatment
Rhoades Family Dentistry offers dental care for the entire family, including routine cleanings, preventative maintenance, fillings, and Invisalign®. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll care about your family’s oral health and are here to help recommend the best type of oral hygiene practices for your entire family, including teeth care with braces. Visiting the dentist, routine dental cleanings, and being proactive about your health can help keep your mouth and braces clean.
If you’re searching for Invisalign®, Rhoades Family Dentistry can help you get started right away! After an initial consultation, we can customize a treatment plan, providing tips for cleaning them and maintaining excellent oral hygiene throughout treatment.
Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you by providing excellent dental care and giving your family healthy smiles!
