How to Care for Your Braces

Braces can be a game-changer for your confidence and dental health, but the real makeover happens only if you take good care of them. While undergoing orthodontic treatment, you play a critical role in its success. Whether you just got your braces or have been a part of our orthodontic family for a while, this comprehensive guide will arm you with the tools you need to ensure your orthodontic experience is as smooth as possible. From managing the discomfort of adjustments to what to do in a brace-related emergency, here’s everything you need to know about how to care for your braces.

The Health Benefits

Caring for your braces is not just about maintaining a beautiful smile but also essential for oral health. We customize each patient’s braces to straighten teeth, but they also create nooks and crannies where food particles can become trapped, leading to plaque build-up and potentially tooth decay.

Impact on Treatment Duration

Follow proper care routines to ensure the duration of your treatment is maintained. Breakage, staining, or poor oral hygiene can lead to setbacks, requiring additional adjustments to prolong your treatment.

Daily Care Routine

Your daily routine is where brace care truly counts. We’ll discuss some best practices for maintaining the health of your teeth and the integrity of your braces.

Brushing and Flossing Techniques

You’ll need to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day. We recommend using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth and braces thoroughly. Flossing may be a little trickier with braces, but it’s crucial to prevent gum disease and decay around your brackets.

Dietary Restrictions and Habits

Certain foods can damage your braces or be hard to clean around. Avoid chewy or sticky foods, hard candies, and biting into hard fruits or vegetables. Cutting your food into small, manageable pieces can make mealtimes more accessible and safer for your braces.

Dealing with Discomfort

Brace adjustments can cause discomfort, but there are ways to manage it effectively.

Pain Management Tips

Immediately following an orthodontic adjustment, you may experience some soreness. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater or using a heating pad can relieve discomfort.

Handling Broken Braces or Wires

If a wire or bracket breaks, addressing the issue promptly is important. You can use orthodontic wax for temporary relief and contact our office to schedule a repair. Refrain from fixing the braces yourself, as this can lead to further complications.

Emergency Care

Emergencies happen, and it’s best to be prepared. Here’s what to do in some everyday emergencies:

Steps to Take for Common Issues

Loose or Poking Wire: If a wire is sticking out and bothering you, try using a pencil eraser to push it back into a more comfortable position. Cover the end with a small piece of orthodontic wax if that’s impossible.
Broken Bracket: Save any pieces and bring them to your next appointment, but don’t worry if it’s part of the braces that do not affect your comfort or function. Call the office to schedule a repair.

When to Contact the Orthodontist

If you’re experiencing significant pain, have a broken tooth, or cannot resolve the issue, contact our team for immediate assistance.

Tips for Maintaining Braces

Ensuring your braces are taken care of is a top priority. Here are some tips to keep in mind to complement your daily care:

Regular Orthodontic Visits

Your orthodontist appointment is not just about tightening your braces; it’s also a check-up to ensure everything works as it should. Regular visits can help catch and address potential issues early on.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Optimal Care

Adopting certain habits or adjustments to your lifestyle can significantly contribute to the care of your braces. For example, use a mouthguard during sports to protect your braces or chew with your back teeth to avoid breaking brackets.