Orthodontist And Caring For Your Braces

The orthodontist says you need braces. You need to make an appointment to have them put on (in the case of traditional braces) or molds to be made of your mouth (for Invisalign). Either way you need to learn how to care for your mouth, teeth, gums and braces during this time. Make the most of the change and make sure that when the process is completely you will have teeth that you want to show off.

Brushing Your Teeth:
You already know how to brush your teeth. Is it that different with braces? Your orthodontist will remind you that it is important to clean the teeth and gums, but now you want to also focus on the space between the braces and your teeth. This is just one more crevice where food can hide out and turn into bacteria. As you brush your teeth make sure that you are getting the front, the back, and the portion of your teeth you use to chew. When you work on the back and front, make sure that you are getting the teeth between the gums and the braces. This isn't an area that you want to overlook.

Flossing:
This can be a real challenge for those facing traditional braces. The floss needs to go under the wire before it can be placed between the teeth. You still want to be able to remove plaque, so this is well worth the effort it will take. Many individuals say that it gets easier with practice. If you are struggling to make it work, ask your orthodontist for some tips. And remember, don't put too much of a strain on the wires that connect your teeth together.

Avoiding Foods that Could Cause Problems:
There are some foods that you may need to give up during this transition if you wear traditional braces. It is important that you don't bite down on foods that will cause the braces to come off. The bonding material used to put on the braces isn't permanent. It is only there to hold the braces until they come off. That means that there are some strains that they cannot take. Ice is never a good idea. Gum is never a good idea. Thick candy like caramel is a disaster waiting to happen. You may not realize the power something so small has over your braces. Ask your orthodontist about other foods that could potentially be problematic.

Invisalign:
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that you don't have to change your routine very much. You can take off the mold and brush your teeth and floss just like you did before. You also remove the molds when you eat, so you don't have to worry about anything damaging them. It is a good idea to brush your teeth after eating and before putting the mold back on.