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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!

 

Four Advantages of Straight Teeth

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Straight teeth aren’t just for looks! A beautiful smile will benefit you in many, many ways. Here are four of them:

four advantages of straight teeth

To read more, check out our post on the health benefits of braces. And if you’re ready to take the first step to a healthy new smile, sign up for a free consultation with Carter Orthodontics.

Prevent Tooth Decay While Wearing Braces

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If you are currently wearing braces, then you probably want to make sure your teeth are straight and healthy. To have both, you’ll need to put extra effort into preventing tooth decay while wearing your braces. When Dr. Carter removes your braces, you’ll be more likely to reveal white, beautiful teeth if you follow these simple steps.

flossing with braces

Use a Special Toothbrush

In addition to your regular toothbrush, you’ll also need to use an interdental toothbrush. Regular toothbrushes just can’t get to those hard-to-reach spots around your braces. An interdental toothbrush has bristles that are shaped like a Christmas tree. They can remove food residue in the braces and on the teeth much easier. Another great item to use is a WaterPik, which is able to get into even the toughest-to-clean spots.

Brush after Every Meal

The fact is that braces block food from naturally escaping your teeth after eating. It’s very important that you take the time to brush and floss after every meal. If food can’t sit around on your teeth, it can’t cause decay. We know it can be a pain to keep a toothbrush and floss handy at all times, but you’ll be glad you did!

Make Sure to Rinse

Even after all of that brushing and flossing, there can still be food left behind. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to finish the job. If you don’t have mouthwash with you, using water is better than using nothing at all!

Avoid Unnecessary Sweets

When it comes to tooth decay, being proactive is the best route. To help ward off decay, you need to limit the foods that cause it. If you can nix sugary foods from the start, you’ll spend less time trying to treat tooth-decay problems in the future. If you do eat them, make sure to brush and rinse immediately.

Visit Your Dentist, Too!

Regular dentist visits while you are wearing braces should occur at least every six months. Let us know if you have questions about your oral health while in braces – our team at Carter Orthodontics is here to make sure your teeth are as beautifully straight as they are healthy!

Are Braces Painful?

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A very common question about braces is “How much will these things hurt?” You probably won’t feel any pain at all during the procedure, but your teeth and gums will probably be a little sore afterwards.

will my braces hurt?

Here is an overview of when you might feel pain or discomfort during your treatment:

Day of Placement: You should not feel any pain or discomfort. In the first few hours after you get your braces, it may be slightly more difficult to chew or talk. This is totally normal, but it usually isn’t because of pain. You’re just getting used to having braces! In some cases, the teeth may feel more sensitive than usual. If so, stick with soft foods and you’ll be good to go. Some people report slight pain or discomfort toward the end of the first day as their teeth begin to shift.

A Few Days After Placement: This is when things might get a little uncomfortable. Your teeth are beginning to realign and the pressure of the archwire and elastic ties is new. Your orthodontist should provide you with relief wax/silicone to apply over the braces as necessary. If the pain is distracting to you, over-the-counter pain medication may be taken as directed.

Five Days After Placement: Usually by this time, any initial pain or discomfort should be gone or getting much better. Eating should feel a lot better, too! Just make sure to avoid any foods that could damage the actual braces.

General Appointments: You will be visiting the orthodontist for routine maintenance. Braces work by gradually moving your teeth, so subtle adjustments need to be made throughout the treatment process. The first several days after these appointments may be slightly uncomfortable, but just remember that it will fade quickly!

If you are really struggling to ease the pain after you get your braces put on, or simply looking to take your mind off it, there are a couple of things you can try:

-Eating soft foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, applesauce, and scrambled eggs.
-Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin
-Orthodontic wax applied to the brackets that are rubbing the inside of your mouth.
-Avoiding acidic foods and drinks that might irritate your mouth
-Using rigorous salt-water rinses

When Do I Get My Braces Off?

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A common question we receive during people’s initial consultation is “when do I get my braces off?”, but the answer isn’t the same for everyone. Depending on the severity of your case and your individual needs, you can usually expect to have your braces removed within a year or two of receiving them.

how long do i wear braces

Of course, you may even be able to stop having orthodontic work done in about six months or your treatment may continue beyond two years. This really depends on your specific needs and the plan of treatment that you and your orthodontist decide will work best for you. Just remember that no matter how long or short your treatment plan is, your orthodontist will be creating a unique and personalized plan that will leave you with a beautiful smile. That is definitely something to look forward to!

If you feel that you are a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, you should contact Carter Orthodontics to set up an appointment for your free initial consultation. During the consultation, you will meet with Dr. David, who will be able to discuss all of the different treatment options available. Whether you want traditional braces, Invisalign, or wish to discuss other options, Carter Orthodontics can make your dream smile a reality.