If you’ve recently started wearing braces, you may have concerns about how your orthodontic treatment is going to influence your daily life. You’ll be avoiding certain hard and crunchy foods, relearning how to play any wind instruments, and of course, adjusting how you brush and floss your teeth. That said, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about maintaining your oral hygiene, don’t worry—here’s what you need to keep in mind.
Brushing with Braces
Since braces are bonded to your teeth, you cannot remove them to clean them, as you would with clear aligners. However, brushing is still fairly straightforward if you keep the following in mind:
- Use the right tools – A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste are all you need, though interdental or electric brushes can also be used.
- Technique matters – Angle the brush at 45 degrees toward your gums and gently brush above and below the brackets along both arches. Be sure to brush for 2 to 3 minutes!
- Brush after meals – Though it might be tough at times, make an effort to brush after every meal—not just in the morning and evening, to keep things clean and fresh.
Flossing with Braces
Sadly, many people neglect flossing in general—and for those with braces, skipping this habit can greatly increase their risk of cavities or gum disease during treatment. Don’t let the extra effort deter you. To successfully floss with braces, remember to:
- Use braces-friendly floss – Floss threaders or a Waterpik can be used in favor of traditional floss, which may be tough to manipulate with braces.
- Gently guide the floss between two teeth at a time, curving it into a “C” shape around each tooth.
- Be patient; it will take some getting used to at first, but since braces are more likely to trap food particles, getting the hang of this habit will pay off.
Brushing and flossing with braces may feel challenging at first, but it quickly becomes routine. Your orthodontist will praise you for your efforts when the brackets and wires come off and reveal a stunningly gorgeous smile!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Derry, Hudson, and the nearby communities for several years. Under the talented leadership of Dr. Naz Idil Kacamak, we offer a variety of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including tried-and-true traditional metal braces, as well as Invisalign clear aligners and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (603) 437-0331.
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