If you use an orthodontic device such as fixed braces, removable braces, or aligners, then you would benefit a lot by knowing the right aftercare tips. That’s because even though orthodontic appliances are extremely robust and designed to last long, a lack of proper care can damage them and affect their durability.
At TruCare Dentistry, we provide a wide range of orthodontic treatments and we know the importance of the right aftercare procedures. In this blog post, we discuss nine effective post-care tips for orthodontic treatments. Read on to know more.
9 Effective Aftercare Tips for Orthodontic Treatment
1. Brush after every meal for at least two minutes
It can be difficult to brush normally after wearing braces. But it is crucial to brush after every meal for at least two minutes every day. The best way of effective brushing is to brush above and below each bracket for two seconds. It will make the brushing process easy and efficient. You also can use an electric toothbrush and make sure that you use the right brushing technique and optimal angulations to remove plaque and debris. If possible, use interdental brushes to remove food particles around brackets and under the wire. After eating acidic foods, however, you should wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth.
2. Choose the right toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash
Your orthodontist will recommend the right toothpaste and mouthwash that would suit the brace, as certain ingredients can harm your braces. While choosing floss, look for one that’ll fit well between the teeth and the brackets. When it comes to selecting a mouthwash, make sure that it does not damage the braces or discolor the materials.
3. Avoid sugary and acidic foods
Sugary foods are the worst enemy of your teeth. They are even more dangerous when you have your braces on. The food particles can hide under the wire as well as around the brackets and start decaying your teeth. That’s why sugary foods are best avoided if you use braces. Likewise, acidic foods, even though some have the goodness of Vitamin C, are as harmful to your teeth if not more. If you cannot completely avoid some acidic foods such as lemons, limes, and oranges, then delay brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after having your meal.
4. Quit bad habits
Bad habits can range from biting nails and grinding teeth to chewing hard objects and smoking cigarettes. Eating between meals and drinking alcohol also come under this category. No matter whatever bad habit you have, make sure that you stop it completely with mindfulness and willpower. It’s easier said than done. But if you want your teeth to remain healthy and the braces to work fine, then there are various ways to eliminate the unhealthy habits for good.
5. Avoid chewy and hard foods
Eating chewy and hard foods such as fibrous meat, hard fruits, and veggies such as carrots, beets, bamboo shoots, and others will put huge pressure on your braces and can affect their longevity. Also, avoid hot foods and drinks such as tea and coffee as they may affect your brace’s wire. The hot temperature is also harmful to aligners. Till the time you have the orthodontic device on, eat cool or lukewarm soft foods such as mashed potatoes, apple sauce, steamed or boiled vegetables, soups, and juices, among others.
6. Wear the dental devices as recommended
Whether you wear fixed or removable braces or aligners make sure you wear them as recommended by your orthodontist. If you wear removable dental appliances, then you will need to remove them while eating. If you are told by your orthodontist to wear your dental appliance for a certain period, then don’t ever think of removing it before time. Doing so may reverse the progress and cause irreversible damage.
7. Use water floss to clean your dental devices
Just as taking care of teeth is crucial, cleaning your dental appliances now and then is equally important. The best way to do that is to use a water floss or dental irrigator. Unlike regular floss, water floss won’t touch your brace or aligner but will clean them efficiently as well as flush out the debris. Regular cleaning of dental devices along with regular brushing and flossing will cut down the risks of cavities and infections.
8. Use plaque-disclosing tablets
Plaque-disclosing tablets are chewable tablets that enhance the visibility of dental plaque. You can buy over-the-counter disclosing tablets and chew them to see the plaque accumulation on your teeth. If the tablets reveal old plaque that means the accumulation has been for quite some time and you need to remove the deposits immediately. In that case, you may consider a professional dental cleaning as a competent and experienced orthodontist can remove the plaque buildup using specialized tools.
9. Schedule regular checkups
After wearing an orthodontic device, make sure you visit an experienced and professional orthodontist regularly. By scheduling regular checkups, you can know if the dental devices are working fine or if they are showing any problems. The orthodontist can help you find out how healthy your teeth are and what you need to do to take good care of them. A normal healthy adult should visit a dentist twice a year for professional checkups and cleaning. But if you have any special needs, then you may need to visit an orthodontist thrice a year or twice every six months.
Finally, it may be concluded
Even though a lot of people around the world get orthodontic treatments, some of them are not aware of the right measures to ensure the safety of their dental appliances. At TruCare, we believe that aftercare procedures for orthodontic devices are essential for healthy teeth and a confident smile. If you are looking for orthodontic procedures in Roswell, GA, TruCare can be the right choice for braces, Invisalign, and teeth straightening. Our location makes us extremely popular among residents of Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Marietta, Milton, and Woodstock. If you stay in and around these areas, do drop by or contact us to schedule a visit.