The complete guide to dental care with braces: how to brush properly and what to remember?

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.

The importance of proper dental care with braces

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?

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How to brush your teeth with fixed braces

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:

• First, rinse your mouth with water to remove loose food debris.
• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Always look in the mirror when brushing your teeth so you don't miss any spots.
• Reach for a soft toothbrush for braces and brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle (relative to your gums).
• When using a manual toothbrush, make small circular motions; when using an electric toothbrush, hold it on each tooth surface towards the gum line and let the toothbrush do the work for you - i.e. do not apply pressure or scrub the teeth.
• Make vertical movements to clean between the teeth and locks.
• Make sure you clean above, below and on the braces. Don't forget to gently clean all other surfaces of your teeth and gums too!
• Also use interdental brushes (to clean between and around the brackets) at every cleaning, as long as you have toothpaste in your mouth. Always point them away from the gums to avoid injury.
• Do not neglect to clean your braces thoroughly at night. 

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.

Special brushes for braces

There are several types of toothbrushes designed specifically for patients with braces:

• Single-bristle brushes: ideal for cleaning around individual teeth and locks.
• Brushes with shorter bristles: designed to better penetrate between locks and wires.

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.

The 5 most common mistakes when brushing teeth with braces

1. Insufficient cleaning around locks and wires
2. Skipping of interdental spaces
3. Using a toothbrush that is too hard
4. Incorrect cleaning technique
5. Irregular / infrequent cleaning

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.

How to brush your teeth 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. 

Mouthwashes and their role in dental care with braces

• Fluoride mouthwashes help strengthen tooth enamel and protect teeth from cavities. The fluoride in mouthwashes forms a protective layer on the surface of the teeth that is resistant to acids produced by bacteria in plaque.
• Mouthwashes with antiseptic ingredients can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. This reduces plaque build-up and the risk of gingivitis, which are common problems for people with braces.
• Regular use of mouthwash helps keep breath fresh, which is important for patients with braces because food debris can often get stuck in locks and wires, which can lead to bad breath.
• It helps to reach areas where the toothbrush can't reach and ensures that the mouth is completely cleaned.
• Some mouthwashes contain ingredients that can soothe and heal irritated gums. This is especially helpful for patients with braces who may have sensitive gums due to the pressure caused by braces.
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Teeth whitening with braces

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.
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Fixed braces care: what haven't we mentioned yet?

Regular checks are essential

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.

What not to do with braces

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:

• Chewing gum and chewy foods (liquorice, caramel candy, gum, chewy candy, etc.)
• Very hard foods (nuts, popcorn, etc.)
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Taking care of your teeth after removing braces

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. 

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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!

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