Wearing braces is a big step toward a healthy smile, but keeping your teeth clean along the way can be a bit of a challenge. Dr. Freedman and Dr. Haas at Freedman & Haas Orthodontics understand that proper oral hygiene also plays a crucial role in helping your treatment progress smoothly without unnecessary delays. We’ll share some tips and tricks, including the best tools to use and how to take care of your braces and avoid delays in your orthodontic treatment.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Braces
When it comes to keeping your braces clean, the right toothbrush makes all the difference. Dr. Freedman and Dr. Haas at Freedman & Haas Orthodontics recommend toothbrushes that are effective at removing plaque around brackets and wires without irritating your gums.
Top Toothbrush Options:
- Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: A toothbrush with soft bristles is gentler on your gums and can help remove plaque without damaging your braces.
- Orthodontic Toothbrush or Electric Toothbrush: Many patients find that an electric toothbrush is more efficient at cleaning around braces. Orthodontic toothbrushes have special grooves to reach around brackets, making it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Small Interdental Brushes: For cleaning under wires and around brackets, interdental brushes (also known as proxy brushes) are perfect for getting into those tricky spots.
With the right toothbrush in hand, you’re one step closer to a clean, healthy smile. Next, let’s look at how to brush effectively with braces to ensure thorough cleaning.
How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces
Brushing with braces requires a little extra attention to detail to ensure that food particles and plaque don’t build up around your brackets and wires. Dr. Freedman and Dr. Haas at Freedman & Haas Orthodontics recommend a few simple techniques to keep your teeth and braces in great shape.
Brushing Steps for a Thorough Clean:
- Angle Your Brush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently brush around the area where the gums meet the teeth.
- Brush Above and Below Brackets: Position the brush above each bracket, then below, moving in small circular motions to clean every surface.
- Brush for 2-3 Minutes: Take your time! Brushing for at least two to three minutes allows you to focus on each tooth individually.
- Don’t Forget the Molars: These teeth are often overlooked but are just as important, especially with braces. Make sure to clean both the front and back surfaces of your back teeth.
Once you’ve mastered brushing, it’s time to focus on flossing—a step that’s just as important but requires a bit of finesse when wearing braces. Let’s explore the best ways to floss effectively with braces.
How to Floss With Braces
Flossing with braces might seem like a challenge at first, but it’s crucial for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Dr. Freedman and Dr. Haas at Freedman & Haas Orthodontics recommend a few helpful tools and techniques to make flossing easier and more effective.
Flossing Tools for Braces Wearers:
- Floss Threader: A simple tool that allows you to thread floss under the wires, making it easier to reach between teeth.
- Orthodontic Floss: Pre-threaded floss or floss designed for braces can help speed up the process.
- Water Flosser: A great option for braces, water flossers use a gentle stream of water to clean around brackets and between teeth.
Flossing Steps:
- Use a Threader or Pre-threaded Floss: Start by threading the floss under the wire, then gently slide it between your teeth.
- Move Slowly: Work the floss carefully between each tooth, avoiding any forceful movements to protect your braces.
- Try a Water Flosser: For a quicker alternative, use a water flosser to rinse away food particles and plaque around your braces.
With these techniques, flossing with braces becomes manageable and effective. Now, let’s discuss how to avoid common treatment delays so your treatment stays on track.
Common Treatment Delays and How to Avoid Them
Maintaining a diligent oral care routine can make a big difference in keeping your treatment on track. Here are some common reasons treatments may be delayed:
- Breakage of Brackets or Wires: Damaged appliances slow down treatment. Be mindful of avoiding hard or sticky foods that can break brackets or bend wires.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: If plaque buildup is left unchecked, it can lead to swollen gums or even cavities, which can require additional dental treatment and potentially delay your orthodontic progress.
- Missed Appointments: Each adjustment moves your teeth closer to the desired position. Missing appointments can create delays, so try to keep every scheduled visit or reschedule as soon as possible.
Keep Your Eye on the Goal
We know braces require extra effort, but every bit of care you give now will pay off when you see the final results. By using the right tools, brushing and flossing carefully, and sticking to all orthodontic appointments, you can prevent most delays and enjoy a healthier, faster journey toward your new smile.
Brushing Up on Braces Care!
Keeping your teeth clean with braces doesn’t have to be hard. With the right tools, like a quality toothbrush, floss threader, and mouthwash, along with a handy travel kit, you can keep your smile shining through every step of your treatment. Dr. Freedman and Dr. Haas at Freedman & Haas Orthodontics are here to support you in building healthy habits. Schedule your free consultation at our West Palm Beach or Wellington office today!