Wearing braces can be uncomfortable, expensive, and inconvenient. But they can also be rewarding in the long run. Braces can help to improve your smile, making you feel more confident and attractive. They can also improve the health of your teeth and gums, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
How Do Dental Braces Work?
Braces are made up of brackets attached to the teeth and connected by a wire. As the wire is tightened, it gradually guides the teeth into the desired position.
Your dentist will adjust the brackets and wires over time to help the teeth move into the correct position. Braces can also be used with rubber bands to help move the teeth and jaw into the correct position. Regular visits to the orthodontist will adjust the braces until the desired position is achieved.
With the proper care and maintenance, braces can improve your oral health and help you achieve the perfect smile. But in the meantime, you will have to get used to living with them and maintaining good dental habits. Living with braces can make brushing and floss a tad more challenging, but it’s an absolute must to keep your teeth healthy. This way, when it’s time to remove your braces, you’ll be able to enjoy your perfect smile immediately.
Here are four things you need to keep doing to maintain optimum oral health while waiting for your braces to do their work.
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
Brush and floss your teeth every day to maintain your oral health. When brushing, pay special attention to the areas around your brackets and wires. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to scrape off plaque and food particles. Flossing is also essential, as it can help remove plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth and around your brackets and wires.
2. Use an Interdental Brush
Flossing with braces can be a tricky and time-consuming task. It’s important to clean between your teeth and around your brackets and wires to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent plaque buildup. But traditional flossing can be difficult and awkward, especially with braces. Fortunately, there is an easier way to clean around your braces: using an interdental brush.
An interdental brush is a small brush that fits between your teeth and braces. It features a handle and a long, thin wire with a small brush head at the end. This brush head is designed to get in between your teeth and around your braces, making it easier to clean around your braces and remove plaque.
3. Rinse with Mouthwash
Rinsing with an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash can help to reduce plaque and bacteria and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Be sure to swish and gargle the mouthwash for at least half a minute before spitting it out.
4. Keep Your Dentist Appointments
Visiting your dentist regularly is vital for maintaining good oral health while you have braces. During these visits, your dentist will check your treatment progress and ensure your braces are in good condition. They can also advise you on proper oral hygiene and answer any questions.
Conclusion
Maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces is essential for achieving the desired results of your orthodontic treatment. By following the tips outlined above, you can help ensure your braces stay in good condition and your teeth stay healthy.
Manassas Smiles is a dental clinic offering services in dental fillings, tooth extractions, dental bridges, and more. Entrust your oral health only with the best dentists in Manassas. Contact us today to book an appointment.
