Learning how to take care of your braces/aligners can take some practice. Since there are so many small places for food to get stuck, your oral hygiene routine is more important than ever before. Those with braces need to take some extra time to clean their teeth to avoid plaque build-up around their brackets and wires that can cause white spots on teeth and or gum diseases. Our team at Smiles Orthodontics wants to help you navigate through your new oral hygiene routine with a few helpful tips!
Brush After Every Meal
We know this might seem a bit tedious at first, but you’ll thank us for this tip later! Since small pieces of food can easily get stuck in your braces, it’s essential to brush your teeth after every meal (yes, snacks count too!) Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and hooks of your braces. By cleaning your teeth after every meal, you’ll reduce your chances of developing tooth stains, tooth decay and other problems caused by poor oral hygiene.
Remove Your Elastics
It’s a good idea to always remove your elastics before cleaning your teeth. This will reduce the number of places where food can get stuck and allow for a better cleaning overall. Be sure to store your elastics in a clean and safe place while you’re cleaning your teeth!
Invest in a Water Flosser
Flossing with water is three times more effective than regular brushing to clean between teeth. Water flossers use the pressure from a single stream of water to release food particles and bacteria that may be trapped in your braces. If you want super-clean, healthy gums and teeth, consider a water flosser.
While investing in a water flosser is excellent to use at home, they aren’t always portable. If you find yourself cleaning your teeth on the go, check out this article from the American Association of Orthodontists for some helpful advice.
Get Braces/Aligners In Wichita!
If you’re wondering if braces could benefit yourself or your child, we encourage you to contact us today! You’re never too old or too young to benefit from a healthy and fully functional smile. We offer various affordable types of braces for the entire family!
You can make your consultation appointment by filling out our online contact form or by giving us a call at (316) 684-5184. One of our team members will be happy to help you and tell you more about our services like early orthodontics, Invisalign and more! We can’t wait to hear from you!