Wellness Tips | 07 October, 2020

Caring for Braces

Braces are an investment in your smile and whether it is metal, ceramic, or lingual braces they need to be looked after.

With proper care, your braces will be much more comfortable and effective, meaning you are closer to the smile you have always wanted! Believe it or not, it is easier than it sounds.

Brushing & Flossing with Braces

A good oral health routine is an important part of your every-day health and wellness, but it is even more important when braces are involved. Braces make it easier for food to get stuck in and around your brackets plus there is a greater chance of plaque building up. So, without a regular cleaning regime, that build up can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay around your brackets.

It is recommended that you brush after every meal to help reduce bacterial plaque and food build-up. Another good idea is to keep a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste in your school bag or at work to make it easier to keep that routine while you are out and about.

Your brushing technique should also be a little different to accommodate your brackets. Start by brushing the gum line above your teeth holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums. After your gums are clean, hold the toothbrush on a downward angle to brush the top of your brackets and then on an upward angle to brush the bottom of them. This will help dislodge any built-up food in your braces.

Flossing can be a little trickier with braces, but it is super important. Flossing removes the built-up food and plaque in the gaps between your teeth. If you find regular floss a little hard to use, try interdental or floss threaders. You should be able to find them at your local supermarket but if not ask our team about other options.

Caring for Braces | Oral Health Routine | Maven Dental

Remember to be gentle when brushing and flossing. Whist we love seeing you, too much pressure may damage or break your braces which means another trip to the practice. If you need a hand getting the right brushing technique, do not be afraid to ask our team to give you a tutorial.

Avoid Certain Foods

It’s a common myth that when you get braces you have to stop eating your favourite foods but in fact there are very few foods that become off limits. Your orthodontic practitioner will talk to you about what you can and cannot eat but generally it’s a good idea to avoid anything chewy, sticky, crunchy, brittle or hard.

To reduce the risks of staining and decay around the brackets try to avoid sugary food and drink as well. If you are not careful the staining can become permanent and will be more noticeable once your braces have been removed. If you are worried about staining, talk to your orthodontic practitioner about a professional whitening treatment once your braces are removed.

Braces Care | Orthodontics | Maven Dental

Mouthguards

If you’re a budding sportsperson that wears braces you will need a custom made mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces. Whilst braces can actually help reduce displacement or tooth loss during a dental trauma, a mouthguard will protect your teeth, tongue, gums, and your braces from any unexpected accidents on the sporting field.

A custom-made mouthguard from your orthodontist is recommended. These mouthguards are tailor-made for your mouth and can be remoulded by your orthodontist as your treatment progresses. They’ll also be a lot more comfortable and effective than an off-the-shelf mouthguard though speak to your orthodontic practitioner about the best solution for your needs.

Keeping Up Appearances

Probably the most important one is attending all your orthodontic appointments. As you progress through your treatment you will have regular appointments with our orthodontic practitioners. These appointments are important as we will check on the progress of your teeth and make any adjustments to your braces to ensure your treatment stays on track. It is also important to keep up your regular professional cleanings during orthodontic treatment.  Every smile is different so how often you visit will depend on the tailored treatment plan developed by your dentist or orthodontist.

Two Maven Dental clinicians with a patient

If you have braces, then you will want to do everything you can to make sure you’re getting the best results. Caring for your braces is the first step to having a smooth and comfortable teeth straightening journey. Make sure you speak to your orthodontic practitioner if you have any questions or concerns. Maintaining a regular oral health routine, thinking about what you’re eating and investing in a custom-made mouthguard if you play sport are simple and easy ways to make sure you get your dream smile.