As is caring for braces or aligners, there is no or little chance of orthodontic treatment being smooth and effective if you do not do that. The proper maintenance not just gives your teeth and gums stay healthy but in addition do not create any unwanted delays on the route to acquiring the anticipated final results. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to care for your braces or aligners the right way.
Cleaning Your Braces
When you have braces, a consistent cleaning routine is essential. The bracket and wire trapping food particles and plaque lead to gum and tooth decay issues if not cleaned correctly.
So, brush your teeth after meals every day, first with a toothbrush with the softest bristles and toothpaste containing one of the fluorides. Wedge the toothbrush between the wire and under a bracket. They also help clean hard to reach areas, floss threaders or water flossers might be good tools for flossing between your teeth and in between the wires too. A fluoride mouthwash, or rinsing your mouth with water, will also prevent accumulation of food debris and prevent plaque formation, after meals.
Caring for Aligners
If you’re utilizing aligners like Invisalign, cleaning them is just as essential as having your normal oral hygiene. Lukewarm water and non-abrasive soap will be used to rinse your aligners and gently clean them. And never use toothpaste on aligners, since doing so can result in scratches and thus making them look cloudy.
Before putting your orthodontic aligners back in, brush and floss your teeth to stop bacteria from building up inside them. A dentist can provide you with tips on how to maintain your aligners effectively. Keep your aligners stored away from other things when they’re not in your mouth; don’t let them get lost or damaged. However, by keeping them clean and storing them properly, the transparency and effectiveness of them will be maintained.
Foods to Avoid
Maintaining braces or aligners is a big part of your diet. If you have braces it’s important not to eat hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage your brackets and wires. Popcorn, chewing gum and hard candies should be avoided because they can crack or become stuck in your braces.
It’s crucial for aligner users to take off the aligners when you eat anything besides water. It prevents the aligners from staining, warping or damaging. In addition, sugary or acidic food can hurt your teeth, so try to eat fewer of them and brush pronto.
Dealing with Discomfort
You’ll sometimes feel some pain when you first get braces or aligners or when adjustments are made. Using orthodontic wax on the brackets may help stop irritation to the inside of the cheeks and lips for braces. Warm saltwater also can help rinse your mouth and soothe sore gums, as well as reduce inflammation.
Switching to a new set of aligners may cause some mild discomfort to aligner users. It is normal and usually resolves within a day or two. By following your orthodontist’s instructions on wearing your aligners will ease any discomfort and smooth out your adjustment period.
Visiting Your Orthodontist
A lot of people think they have braces for a set period of time before a quick forgetfulness happens and they stop returning to see the orthodontist. Your orthodontist will only adjust your braces every one or two months for braces. If your brackets or wires break, call us immediately so you don’t risk having a delay in your treatment.
The best dentists can provide new sets of aligners for you for regular intervals. Switch aligners as recommended by them for best results. Often, skipping appointments or failing to follow instructions can place you on the long side of treatment.
Protecting Your Braces / Aligners
Don’t engage in activities that may damage your braces, such as nail biting, chewing on pens, using your teeth to open packages. If they break these actions can damage the brackets and wires, slowing you down.
Always put aligners in their protective case when you’re not wearing them. Leaving them exposed means it’s more likely that they will get lost or damaged. Moreover, you need to keep handling your aligners with clean hands in order to avoid passing bacteria onto them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are some common mistakes which can put a road block in your orthodontic treatment. Go a day skipping your cleaning routine and you’ll find yourself with plaque, cavities, and gum problems. Food that doesn’t work with braces can cause broken brackets or loose wires. Not wearing aligners for the recommended 20 – 22 hours a day can take you further behind.
Conclusion
Taking care of your braces or aligners is a commitment and only costs some persistence. To help ensure a smooth trip to a confident smile, keep to good oral hygiene, avoid damaging foods, and follow your orthodontist’s advice. The better you take care of your braces or aligner, the better your result will be.