A lot of people still feel insecure about how they would look if they had braces. And let’s face it, traditional metal braces may not be the biggest favorites regarding appearance. But it is also true that metal brackets have been changing through time, and they have evolved.
Setting that aside, the looks shouldn’t matter if we are talking about orthodontic appliances because the whole point of orthodontic treatment is to make you feel better, whether it is about the physical aspect of your smile or dental health issues.
The oral hygiene habits you maintain will definitely improve how you look and feel as an orthodontic patient. A clean and bright smile is always a great presentation card, no matter what.
Is It Difficult to Brush With Braces On?
If you currently wear Damon self-ligating braces, or if you are planning to, you should know that most orthodontic appliances can suppose difficulty in the cleaning and brushing process. Having metal wires all across your mouth and metal brackets attached to your teeth will make it harder to wash your teeth.
This is why your orthodontist puts such emphasis on dental hygiene. Flossing becomes almost impossible for a great number of patients with braces. You have to be very thorough with the process of brushing your teeth, so you leave zero rests of food or drinks.
There are foods you can happily eat, as well as there are some dishes you should avoid for the sake of your orthodontic treatment and your denture’s health. If food gets stuck on your brackets or wires, oral bacteria will start to grow and thrive.
And you know what happens when dental bacteria stay in your mouth for too long:
- Tooth decay and cavities.
- Gum disease.
- Tooth loss.
- And bad breath appears.
Since we are sure you don’t want any of those, we prepared a quick guide on correct brushing and cleaning your teeth if you have orthodontic braces.
How to Brush With Braces?
First things first: don’t worry. You can brush your teeth as usual when you are wearing traditional braces. Twice a day and all that. It would be good for you to add a third time daily.
Try to use toothpaste with fluoride because it helps to fight dental bacteria and maintain control of Ph levels in your mouth.
Keep in mind that being thorough does not mean that you have to put more pressure or use more strength while brushing your teeth. Doing this can cause bleeding in your gums which is bad for your teeth and breath.
What Else Can I Do to Thoroughly Clean My Teeth While Wearing Braces?
Brushing your teeth is not the only thing you can do to get an A from your orthodontist on cleaning your teeth. Nowadays, we can count on fabulous inventions that our lives easier in this matter.
Water Irrigator
A what? A water irrigator, yes. But this one doesn’t belong in the garden. A water flosser is a mechanical device that you can use at home. Its sole purpose is to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth.
It works with common water in the form of pressure steam, and it’s perfect for reaching the harder spots of your denture.
Interdental Brush
You have probably seen these at the supermarket or your local pharmacy. They look like a brush intended to clean a baby bottle, except for the fact that they are tiny. Interdental brushes are designed to fit the spaces in between your brackets and archwires.
They are normally used without toothpaste, but putting some on is also okay. These do not substitute a normal toothbrush, though; you’ll need both.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is fantastic for various reasons.
- It contributes to having a nice breath.
- If specialized, it can help combat plaque dental biofilm.
- It can have whitening components.
After you have brushed your teeth and used floss, it’s recommendable to use a specialized mouthwash to help the chemical components of your cleaning routine to eradicate bacteria and even heal mild issues you could have with your gums or breath.
Floss Threader
Everyone says the same two things: brush and floss. And yes, they are paramount for your dental health, but something nobody is saying is that flossing can be hard when you have brackets.
You should use waxed floss to prevent tearing when flossing. The real game changer is floss threaders. They are inexpensive and can be found in supermarkets and pharmacies.
This is a tool that can make the flossing process so much easier and save you lots of time in your oral hygiene routine. They are designed to enter the space in between your teeth without touching your archwires.
Customize Your Braces
Just as you can do with your nails or clothes, you can add a little fun and personality to your braces, and this is something you can only do with traditional brackets.
Since you will have to wear rubber bands in your mouth every two to three weeks, you can get creative and make combinations to make statements about your taste. The color variety is immense, and there are even different shapes, like flowers or bats!
Need more ideas? Check this article.
How to Keep My Teeth Clean With Clear Aligners?
One of the main differences between traditional braces and clear aligners is the comfort they suppose for the cleaning process. You can take off your orthodontic appliances and wash your teeth with invisible aligners without further complications.
What Is the Best Orthodontic Treatment for You?
Make an appointment with our dental office if you have doubts about what would be the best treatment plan for you. Braces or clear aligners?
If you are having trouble keeping your brackets clean, our team can help and provide personalized advice to solve your problem.