Caring For Your Braces
Salem, OR
 Your braces are designed to correct the alignment of your teeth and your jaws. The goal of treatment is to not only give you a beautiful smile but improve the health of your mouth as well. However, for your braces to provide you with the best possible results, it is essential that you take proper care of them. At Amborn Orthodontics, we have compiled some tips on how to help you take care of your braces.
Braces and Dental HygieneDental hygiene is essential for preventing tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. When you have braces, dental hygiene becomes especially important. This is because braces can make it more difficult to properly clean your teeth. Extra care must be taken with both brushing and flossing.
When it comes to brushing, your routine will need to be adjusted. It is important that you brush after each meal. Your toothbrush, which should be soft bristled, may need to be replaced more often, as soon as you notice the bristles beginning to fray. When you brush, use small circular motions, following along your teeth and gums. Spend several seconds on each tooth, making sure that all debris is removed. To clean the brackets, angle the head of your toothbrush against them. Make sure that you also brush the areas under the wires. Don’t forget to brush the tops of your teeth, their backsides, and the area behind the molars. When you are finished brushing, be sure to rinse your mouth.
Flossing is another essential part of your dental hygiene routine, especially when you are wearing braces. Along with getting stuck between your teeth, food can also get stuck around the brackets. Unfortunately, brushing cannot remove all of these particles. Getting the floss under the wires can be a challenge, but can be made easier with a floss threader. After you have threaded the floss, gently move the floss back and forth to get it between your teeth. Slide the floss against the edges of both teeth. Carefully floss around the brackets and wire. Continue until you have flossed between every tooth, and don’t forget to floss behind your back molars.
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Protecting Your BracesBraces are susceptible to damage. Brackets can become dislodged. Wires can bend or break. Special care must be taken to protect your braces. To protect your braces, certain foods should be avoided. These foods include hard foods (nuts, whole apples, raw carrots, corn on the cob, crusty bread) and sticky foods (gum, caramels, toffee, chewy candies). If you play sports, you should also wear a sports mouth guard. This will not only protect your braces but will protect your mouth from serious injuries. A special, customized mouth guard can be made for you to fit your braces.
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Braces EmergenciesWhile wearing braces, it is possible that emergencies can arise. Sometimes, a bracket may come loose, or a wire may bend or break. Don’t panic. Call our office as soon as possible so that we can make an appointment to check and repair your braces. If a protruding wire or bracket is irritating the soft tissues in your mouth, wax can be placed to ease the discomfort. If you are experiencing severe pain, contact us right away, and we will do our best to get you in for an emergency appointment.
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Taking care of your braces is integral to ensuring that they provide you with optimal results. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call Amborn Orthodontics at (503) 967-9887 today. |
