Receiving braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic treatments is a big step in your oral health journey, but don’t worry; you are not alone! Our team at Sawgrass Orthodontics sets each of our patients up for success when starting care to ensure their smile results last a lifetime. We are here to share how to maintain good oral health with orthodontic treatment so you can feel confident in maintaining hygiene outside our office!
Get Rid Of Leftover Food Particles With Floss
Straightened teeth can rid your mouth of areas more susceptible to catching small pieces of food after a meal. Until your treatment is complete, you must be vigilant with your floss to ensure each piece is removed during the cleaning process. Appliances with wires, such as metal or clear braces, require the extra step of using a unique tool to reach all the necessary areas.
All you need to do is attach your string of floss to a flexible plastic threader and weave it between your teeth under the wire so you reach the bottom. Sawgrass Orthodontics will provide plenty of floss and threaders throughout treatment and will be happy to replenish your supply when you come in for appointments.
Brush Your Teeth With Toothpaste
Ensuring your teeth are in perfect condition throughout treatment is a great way to maintain oral health and keep your smile journey on track. In addition to your routine of brushing your teeth in the morning and night, additionally cleaning your teeth after each meal ensures no small pieces of food stay stuck in place. This helps to prevent excessive plaque and bacteria from growing on your teeth.
How To Properly Brush
When cleaning your teeth with an appliance attached, you must polish each component thoroughly. First, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the gum line, or above your appliance, and move it in a circular motion to polish each tooth. Once finished, you will want to repeat the process on your appliance as well as the tooth area below it. Continue doing so for at least five minutes to ensure they have been adequately cleaned.
If you are wearing a clear or metal appliance, you can expect to go through your toothbrushes more quickly than usual due to the abrasiveness of the appliance. Be sure to have a replacement on hand to continue brushing your teeth effectively.
Picking Out The Best Equipment
Technique matters, but the tools you use matter as well. We recommend our patients use fluoride toothpaste, a specific cleaning gel that is especially effective at preventing cavities. This particular ingredient helps protect your tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks. A pea-sized amount is plenty to protect your teeth when combined with proper brushing techniques.
Soft-bristled toothbrushes are recommended with orthodontic treatment for effective cleaning and comfort because they are gentler on your gums and appliances. You can remove anything bad lingering on your teeth without any consequence to your teeth.
Our team will happily give you more specific product recommendations when you come for your free consultation or next appointment.
Choosing Your Food Selections
Before your teeth straighten out, there will be many hidden places for food to bury itself into and have a chance to develop bacteria or plaque. Being conscious of your food consumption can help prevent this early on and prevent tooth decay. If there is a section of your teeth to be particularly cautious of, we will point it out so you can make sure to clean it during treatment.
Foods To Stay Away From
Your appliance is not meant to withstand the pressure of regular chewing. Sticky or hard, crunchy foods such as caramel, nuts, popcorn, and crackers can damage or stick to it. Small pieces of these foods can also stick to your appliance and lead to potential tooth decay.
Foods You Can Enjoy
While it may seem like your food choices are limited, there are, in fact, many great options for you to continue enjoying. We recommend eating soft, well-cooked foods that are easy to chew, some of which include pasta, eggs, seafood, potatoes, kiwis, oranges, and much more! If you have a question about a specific food, please contact our office, and we can give you more information.
Be Ready For Anything
With any health procedure comes potential risks. Luckily, with orthodontics, true emergencies are a rare occurrence, and those that may come your way can be temporarily cared for at home with ease. Some common situations include general tooth pain, broken wires, brackets, and gum irritation. Dr. Kristen and Dr. Penny will cover how to care for these common emergencies and others with you at the beginning of treatment.
If you are unsure about what to do, please don’t hesitate to give our office a call so we can walk you through the process and determine whether or not an emergency appointment is necessary. Our team members are experts in dealing with emergencies and will do whatever we can to help you get your teeth-straightening journey back on track!
Regular Oral Care Matters
Pursuing orthodontic treatment helps build a solid foundation for your teeth for many years and enables you to work toward the smile you deserve. Maintaining your oral health throughout your life allows you to enjoy the functionality and strength of your original teeth without complicated procedures or the need for replacements.
Each of these recommendations is a cornerstone to helping you reap the benefits of your dedication. This way, treatment will last a lifetime. Preserving your alignment and the confidence that comes with it can do wonders!
Help Your Teeth Last A Lifetime With Excellent Oral Health!
Nothing makes us happier than seeing a smile beaming through once results show themselves on our patients. We want your experience to be memorable and educational as we prepare you to maintain excellent oral health to last a lifetime. Sawgrass Orthodontics serves Sunrise, Weston, and the surrounding communities with orthodontic care you can’t find anywhere else! Feel free to give either of our offices a call today to schedule your free consultation. Your smile journey starts now!
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