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Proper dental care with braces is essential for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing dental problems - you already know that. But how do you take care of them enough? What is often forgotten, and what can cause problems? In this article, we'll cover the key aspects of brushing with braces, including the risks associated with poor oral hygiene, proper brushing techniques and recommendations for using special tools.
It won't come as news to you that poor oral hygiene leads to many problems(cavities, gingivitis, enamel demineralization) even without braces. However, for people who wear braces, especially if they are ceramic or metal braces, it can carry even more fatal consequences. This is because they are more susceptible to dental problems compared to those who do not wear them for many reasons.
If you don't brush your teeth with braces often enough and correctly, plaque builds up around the brackets and wires. If you don't remove it, it can cause cavities, discolouration and tooth demineralisation.
Demineralization is a condition that occurs when food particles that get trapped on the teeth come into contact with bacteria and form acid. This then removes calcium and phosphorus from the tooth, leaving "scars" that outline where braces once were.
But the worst part is that you won 't find out about all the damage caused by the lack of care until after the braces are completely removed - that's pretty late. So how do you approach dental care with fixed braces the right way?
Brush your teeth thoroughly, at least three times a day, and always at least an hour after eating. Also, never go to bed with unbrushed teeth!
Every time you clean it:
Investing in quality tools like braces brushes, interdental brushes and fluoride toothpaste will pay off. Not only will you minimize cavities and tooth damage (which you would have discovered after braces were removed), but you'll also reduce the risk of damaging your braces.
Did a wire (or other component) come loose from your braces while cleaning them? Make an appointment with your orthodontist. If you can even pull the component out of your mouth, do so, but don't throw it away and bring it with you to the office.
There are several types of toothbrushes designed specifically for patients with braces:
The Curaprox braces brush is one of the best tools available for all fixed braces wearers. In addition to having soft but dense bristles that effectively remove plaque without damaging braces, this brush also has a cutout in the middle rows of bristles for the brackets.
You can avoid all this if you opt for invisible braces. Taking care of your teeth with invisible braces is made many times easier by the fact that you can take them out for meals - so you can avoid most of the major risks of brushing with fixed braces. Schedule a no-obligation consultation today and find out just how your teeth could look after treatment with invisible braces.
Just like before. Since you can remove your Invisalign braces (not only) to brush your teeth, there are no restrictions. Just make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal before you put your braces back on.
In short: Teeth whitening with braces is not recommended - braces can prevent even whitening. Teeth cannot be whitened under fixed braces that are already in place. It is recommended to wait to whiten until after the braces are removed.
However, if whitening is necessary for some reason, use whitening toothpastes or gels that are safe for use with braces. Consult your dentist for options.
Fixed braces require regular check-ups and maintenance, so don't forget to have regular check-ups with your orthodontist and dentist. Visit them regularly as per their instructions.
If a component is loose so that it falls out of the mouth on its own or can be pulled out freely, remove it from the mouth but do not throw it away, bring it with you to the surgery. Loose retainers and rings need to be reattached as soon as possible to make the retainer fully functional. It is less common for the entire wire arch to snap.
At the same time, it can be helpful to avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage locks or wires. Either avoid these foods or be very cautious about eating them:
Did they take your braces off? Congratulations! But to enjoy a straight and beautiful smile for as long as possible, take the same care of your teeth.
Teeth still need to be cleaned more thoroughly, as they may have stains or incipient cavities from the period when the braces made it impossible to clean them thoroughly.
In addition, it is also important to wear a retainer as directed by your d entist and to attend regular preventive checkups.
If you've been wanting to have your teeth whitened, after braces are removed is a great time to do it.
Proper dental care with braces is key to maintaining a healthy smile. By following the above procedures and using the recommended tools, you can minimize the risk of dental problems and ensure a beautiful, healthy smile after braces are removed. Be consistent and care for your teeth with the utmost care every day!
