Patients who have received braces for the first time may wonder how to implement routine dental care for teeth that are now covered by metal or ceramic brackets. Wires can get in the way of daily flossing, and it can be difficult to brush around the components of new braces. Use the following tips to create a new dental routine as well as to banish uncertainty when it comes to caring for your new braces.
A braces patient’s new routine dental care may look slightly different, but the basic principles of caring for teeth should remain the same. Brushing and flossing are a little more complicated, but most patients quickly adapt.
Patients should brush twice a day: This part of the routine should not change upon receiving braces, either metal or ceramic. Even clear aligners can be removed for regular brushing, and this type of braces may make routine dental care easier on patients who do not want to deal with brackets and wires that can get in the way.
Though the routine can stay the same, the type of brush may need to change. Using an electric toothbrush can be a quicker and easier way to brush around braces, and the smaller heads of these toothbrushes can more easily reach the molars as well.
Many patients swear by various types of water flossers that work by using a sharp burst of water to clean all the nooks and crannies of the mouth. Thanks to the concentrated pressure of the water, this type of instrument can effectively clean in between wires and other types of dental appliances that are attached to braces.
Regular flossing can be performed with the same type of floss the patient previously used, but a special instrument may need to be used to “thread” the floss between the wires. This practice can be cumbersome to complete every day, which is why a water flosser can save time and potentially help the patient floss more thoroughly.
Routine dental care, including cleanings, can be managed with braces. Depending on the dentist’s preference as well as the patient’s, patients may be able to have the wires removed for a thorough cleaning. If a dentist suspects a cavity, braces do not necessarily prevent a dentist from filling it. Treatment of minor cavities a week before the patients get braces removed can likely be delayed until the removal, but a more serious cavity should be filled immediately.
While routine dental care for patients with braces may be a bit more complicated than before, it is important to keep teeth healthy as they undergo the straightening process. Caring for teeth with braces is not too different from brushing and flossing without braces. Patients should ensure that good dental health is maintained throughout the months or years in which orthodontics are worn to prevent future dental problems.
Request an appointment here: https://www.orangecadds.com or call Jim Dimitri Grammas DDS at (714) 202-0412 for an appointment in our Orange office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Care in Orange, CA.
A dental cleaning is the perfect opportunity to catch up with your dentist. Yes really, catch up. Your average dentist loves it when their patients have healthy teeth that need little more than a light scrub. This is why preventative measures like routine checkups are so important.Patients with healthy teeth can spend the bulk of…
Your general dentist will always emphasize the importance of oral health. Read on to learn about how preventive oral hygiene helps maintain good overall health. Many illnesses manifest themselves more visibly through the mouth. As a result, it is crucial to maintain oral health through oral hygiene and prevent dental issues.The following are some preventive…
In general dentistry, fluoride treatments are common. Fluoride is a mineral found in bones and teeth, as well as water, plants, soil, rocks, and air. When used by dentists, fluoride strengthens tooth enamel. Therefore, dentists generally use fluoride as a preventative treatment against cavities. Additionally, fluoride can be found in most public water supplies. In…
Using preventive dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy may be difficult at times. It feels better and costs less to practice prevention rather than get the cure. Many dental treatments for saving teeth are expensive and labor-intensive. Doing your part in preserving your teeth can also save your general health. If you want…
A deep dental cleaning is a great way to improve your periodontal health, particularly for…
Some dentists also provide cosmetic treatments, like teeth whitening or veneers, which can address aesthetic…
Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Bacteria multiply faster…
A broken tooth can lead to a variety of issues, like tooth decay and infection.
Contact our office to schedule your root canal.
Most patients feel some discomfort after getting dental veneers. But dental functions will be normal…
