Getting braces is a massive step toward lifelong dental health! Now that you have braces, it is critical to care for them and your teeth properly. Practicing good oral hygiene keeps your treatment on schedule and your teeth healthy.
So, if you’re wondering how to take care of your braces, keep reading to find helpful tips!
The staff at Risinger Orthodontics is here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams — schedule an in-person or virtual consultation today!
Food can get trapped in your braces if you don’t brush, floss, and rinse regularly, causing plaque and bacteria to build up. This increases the chances of getting tooth discoloration, cavities, and gum disease.
However, brushing with braces requires a slightly different technique than your pre-braces routine. Here are some tips on how to clean braces:
This may sound like a lot of rules to follow, but staying consistent and thorough is worth keeping your smile beautiful and healthy!
Make an appointment for a cleaning with one of our orthodontists!
You may think flossing with braces is impossible but flossing once a day is essential for caring for your braces. To floss with braces, you should:
Tools like floss threaders, water flossers, and plastic pics are also helpful if you need help getting the tough-to-reach areas.
You may feel like you can’t get to all the tiny crevices in your braces that trap food. Ask us about special tools that help clean debris around your brackets and wires.
Water flossers, such as Water Jet and Waterpik use a pressurized stream of water to remove food particles and other matter. These tools are effective but should not replace flossing or brushing.
If something gets stuck in the back corner of your braces, you can use an interproximal brush to clean it out. These are small, cone-shaped brushes that you can move gently through your wires until the debris is clear.
Keeping your braces and teeth clean is easier if you avoid some foods that are notorious for getting stuck in—or breaking—brackets and wires.
Regardless of what you eat, it is important to brush, floss, and rinse so the particles don’t damage your braces.
Along with caring for your teeth, it is essential to schedule regular orthodontist visits. Your orthodontist will check on your progress, change elastics, and adjust wires. Keeping these visits consistent will help keep your treatment on track.
The friendly staff at Risinger Orthodontics is always happy to see you! Our comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere is the perfect place to relax before your appointment. Make an appointment to come see us today!
Taking time each day to properly brush, floss, and rinse will help you get the best results from your treatment. Caring for braces is a big responsibility, but you’re not alone. Dr. Rick Risinger and his team are ready to help you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment.
Contact us if you have any questions about cleaning and caring for braces. Make an appointment for a cleaning with one of our orthodontists today!
