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How to Brush and Floss with Braces

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Brushing your teeth while wearing braces isn’t that much different than brushing without them. After all, you’ll still probably use a toothbrush and floss. However, making sure you do a good job is more important than ever. When you’re wearing braces, food particles and plaque have many more places to get trapped. If you don’t brush and floss properly, your enamel may stain and your teeth may decay around the brackets or bands.

flossing with braces

First, you need to carefully brush and rinse after every meal or snack with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Secondly, you definitely need to take the time to floss well between braces and under all of the wires. Finally, you need to visit the dentist regularly between orthodontic appointments to ensure that your gums and teeth remain healthy throughout the process.

If you’d still like more detailed tips, check out the simple and effective braces cleaning tips from Oral-B:

  1. Prepare to brush. Take off elastics, and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.
  2. Clean your braces. Use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush from the top of each wire and then from the bottom. (Take time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed, and that you work all the way around upper and lower teeth.)
  3. Brush your teeth. Clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Do this for about 10 seconds. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.
  4. Floss once a day with super floss, a type of floss for cleaning around appliances such as braces. Have your dental professional show you how to use this floss, or follow the instructions on the product package.
  5. Rinse and check your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water or mouth rinse, and examine your teeth and braces in the mirror. They should sparkle, shine and feel clean.

Remember, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Carter!

 

Holiday Treats for Kids with Braces

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There is no denying that festive treats are part of the fun during the holidays. However, many of them are too sticky, hard, or crunchy for people with braces to enjoy. These types of foods can damage the wires or brackets of your braces as well as make your teeth that much more vulnerable to decay. Having traditional metal braces during the holidays can be tough when it feels like you are constantly surrounded by things you can’t have!

holiday treats for kids with braces

There are many holiday treats you should try to avoid. These include:

Candy canes
Caramels
Toffee
Taffy
Jelly beans
Nuts

Fortunately, there are just as many braces-friendly treats that you can indulge in:

Hershey Kisses
Peanut Butter Cups
Soft Cookies
Pudding
Pumpkin Pie
Fudge

The most important thing to remember, though, is to always brush after enjoying any sweets!

Orthodontics: Fact or Fiction

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Movies and television would have you believe that the only people who wear braces are middle schoolers, and that the only options available include headgear and pounds of metal. That is simply not the case! We’ve decided to bust through the fiction and give you the honest facts about braces.

truth about braces

Myth: Orthodontic treatment is only for crooked teeth.
Fact: While a crooked smile is a common reason to seek orthodontic care, orthodontic interventions can also help with a wide range of dental health problems. From an overbite to jaw misalignment, Dr. Carter can help with many problems associated with your teeth, gums, and jaws.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment is just for kids.
Fact: Although children and teenagers often visit the orthodontist to get braces, the number of adults who choose to work on their smiles is increasing every year. No matter your age, a consultation with an orthodontist is always an option. It is never too late to smile with confidence.

Myth: Traditional metal braces are the only option.
Fact: Times have definitely changed. Advances in orthodontic technology mean that there are many options! Make sure to ask Dr. Carter about Invisalign® and other less-visible alternatives if you are concerned about having traditional metal braces.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment is too expensive.
Fact: At Carter Orthodontics, we work closely with patients to find ways to make the payment process a breeze. From helping with insurance to providing great payment options, we can make sure you find a price that is right for you.

Myth: Braces are painful and the treatment lasts many years.
Fact: In general, patients painlessly adapt to life with braces after the initial adjustments. In regards to treatment length, it varies from person to person. Some people may be required to wear braces for just a few months!

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath (When You Can’t Chew Gum)

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We’ve all been there. Out of no where, you realize your breath is a little less than fresh. Many people would just pop in a piece of gum, but what do you do to get rid of bad breath quickly when you have braces? Luckily, there are other options.

get rid of bad breath quickly

1. Reach for you toothbrush. This should always be your first course of action when possible. It is always a great idea to try to keep a travel sized toothbrush and toothpaste on hand, though, so you’ll be prepared to keep your teeth sparkling clean.

2. Drink a glass of water. When you can’t rush out and brush up, reach for a glass of water. When it’s been a while since you’ve had a drink, the bacteria in your mouth releases an unpleasant-smelling gas. You’re much less likely to have bad breath when you don’t allow your mouth to dry out.

3. Eat an apple. We’ve mentioned before that apples are natures toothbrushes because of their ability to clean your teeth, but they also do a great job freshening your breath. They contain oxidized polyphenols, which help to neutralize the odor produced by bacteria in your mouth. It’s a win, win.

4. Sip some hot tea. Tea definitely helps keep your mouth from drying out, but black and green tea also contain polyphenols that can prevent the growth of the bacteria that causes bad breath. Brew for your breath!

5. Nibble on parsley. One of the worst culprits when it comes to bad breath is garlic. The next time you chow down on a meal filled with it, check and see if the dish was garnished with parsley. If so, munch on some after dinner to fight the garlicky smell.

Should You Get Invisalign or Traditional Braces?

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Having a great smile can make a huge difference in your life. We’ve already discussed the health benefits of wearing braces, but there are many other reasons to choose to work on your smile. When it comes to straightening your teeth, choosing the best option is often a very personal decision. This post will help you understand the difference of two common choices: Invisalign and traditional metal braces.

smiles

How are they different?

Braces improve your smile using metal brackets affixed onto each tooth connected by wires. Invisalign corrects orthodontic problems using a set of clear aligner trays. You wear braces at all times, while Invisalign aligners can be removed to eat or drink.

Aesthetics

One of the obvious advantages of Invisalign is that the clear trays are nearly invisible. This is particularly beneficial for adults who are self-conscious about appearing professional with traditional braces. Similarly, teens may feel more comfortable using the aligners because their friends will be less likely to notice them.

Orthodontic Problem

While Invisalign is proven to treat many cases for many people, there are a few instances when it may not be appropriate. Invisalign works well for people who have relatively minor problems, such as crooked teeth, some crowding, or gaps. Braces are still a great choice for people with severe bite issues or other complex orthodontic problems.

Eating and Drinking

Like we previously mentioned, Invisalign trays are removable. You must take them out to eat or drink. You have to make sure to keep up with them while you have them out. However, unlike traditional braces, you are not limited in the foods you may eat. You can still have chewy or sticky foods with Invisalign, as long as you brush before putting them back on.

In the end, you will have to make this decision along with your orthodontist. Contact Carter Orthodontics to better understand which choice might be right for you.