How to Care For Your Dental Braces

If your dentist has fitted braces onto your teeth, then you will need to look after them. If they are not properly maintained, then they will take longer to have the desired effect. In many cases, dental braces are fitted to realign teeth which are either overlapping or which don't face outwards properly. If the brackets of each brace become detached from the metal wire that connects them to one another, then your tooth could even shift into a worse position. Although your dentist will be able to correct any problems when you go in for a check-up, it is better to try and look after your braces from the moment they are fitted. This way, you'll be able to have the removed sooner! What do you need to do?

Brush As Usual

Looking after your braces means removing any bits of food that might have become lodged in them. Therefore, brush your teeth in just the way that you would without them. Use a soft-bristled brush and don't push too hard; brush with the same movement as you would even if the braces were not there. A normal toothpaste is all that is required to keep your teeth and braces in good condition. Depending on the sort of orthodontic appliance you have fitted, you may need to remove certain parts of the braces, such as elasticated parts. Your dentist will advise you if this is the case and show you how to do it.

Don't Stop Flossing

You might think that wearing braces means you cannot floss the gaps between your teeth, but this is not the case. Flossing helps to remove plaque from building up in the gaps between teeth. Since these gaps can shift as your teeth realign themselves under the pressure of the braces, you should make sure that these areas of your mouth are cleaned, and flossing is the best way of doing so.

Make Each Checkup Appointment

Your dentist will want to see you more often than usual when you have braces fitted. Don't assume that all is well with your braces because your dentist will be able to spot problems that you are not able to see. If you cannot make an appointment for any reason, then inform your dentist in advance and make a new one as soon as possible.

Avoid Sticky Foods

Modern braces are robust, but any orthodontic appliance in your mouth can suffer damage from sticky foods. Steer clear of things like toffee and caramel until after your braces have been removed.