Getting braces can straighten your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. However, getting braces also gives you new challenges in taking care of your teeth. To learn about caring for your braces and teeth, contact the experts at South High Dental today at 614.363.2462.
Why Do I Need Braces?
Braces do so much more than improving the appearance of your smile. They also correct overcrowding and misaligned teeth and improve an abnormal bite. Each of these problems can cause problems such as gum inflammation and cavities.
Taking care of your braces can prevent damage to your teeth and braces, and make them more comfortable. Making sure you understand how to take care of your teeth can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy while you’re wearing braces.
Oral Hygiene With Braces
When you get braces, your dentist will tell you that taking care of your teeth will become more of a challenge. Braces have many small spaces where food gets trapped, causing plaque and other dental problems. As a result, it’s essential to brush your teeth after each snack and meal. You should also rinse with mouthwash, and floss at least once daily. While doing this can seem excessive or tedious, not attending to your oral hygiene may lead to significant health problems. It could also cause unfortunate staining on your teeth and mean you need to spend more time wearing braces.
The first thing you need to do when you’re brushing your teeth is to take off any removable parts, such as elastics, that are on your orthodontics. Then, clean the braces around the wires and pins. Brush from the top to the bottom of each wire and take your time to make sure that all debris and plaque are gone. Continue to work around your upper and lower teeth.
After you clean the wires, you can now brush your teeth. Angle your teeth towards the gum line and apply pressure, and you gently move in a circular motion. Each tooth should get about 10 seconds. Do the same thing for each individual tooth, making sure that you reach every part of the surface of the tooth.
Next, you should floss your teeth. Your South High Dental expert will should you how to floss with braces. You may need to get a floss threader to floss properly. Once you’ve flossed, rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water, and check your teeth and braces for problems. Then, replace your elastics and move on to the next part of your day.
Routinely Visit Your South High Dental Orthodontist
While you’re wearing braces, your South High orthodontist will want you to schedule regular appointments to make sure your braces are working properly. You may experience some discomfort and pain after you go to a routine orthodontic appointment. If the pain or tightness does not go away quickly or if it gets worse, contact your orthodontist. You should also bring up any problems you have with your braces, such as broken parts.
In addition, it’s vital to keep appointments with your general dentist while you’re wearing braces. Making sure that you keep your biannual dental checkup is vital to make sure that you don’t have any cavities or gum disease. Your dentist can provide a range of services, such as
- Apply fluoride treatments
- Provide dental crowns
- Take dental X-rays
- Provide dental veneers
- Offer emergency dental services
Your smile will look amazing once you finish wearing your braces. If you’re ready to seek orthodontic services at South High Dental, we’re ready to help you. Contact our Columbus, Ohio dentist’s office at 614.363.2462 today for more information.
