Caring for Your Braces
Sherwood, OR
 Braces are an excellent orthodontic treatment used to straighten your teeth and jaws. Your braces are an investment and need to be taken care of properly to protect them. At Senestraro Family Orthodontics, we can help you to take care of your braces to help you get the most out of your treatment.
Why Protecting Your Braces is Important
Taking good care of your braces is essential for your oral health as well as for your orthodontic treatment. If you do not care for your braces, you run the risk of serious oral health issues, including cavities and gum disease. You may also be faced with bad breath, and discolored spots on your teeth called decalcification. When oral health issues develop, they need to be treated right away. As a result, your orthodontic treatment may be delayed, meaning you'll be in braces longer than originally anticipated.
Eating with Braces
Certain types of foods can damage your brackets and wires. During your treatment, it is recommended that you stay away from hard foods, as well as foods that are crunchy, sticky, or chewy. Instead, you should opt for foods that are softer and easier to chew. When brackets or wires are damaged, you will need to schedule an appointment to have them fixed to avoid delays in your treatment.
Oral Hygiene and Braces
Brushing and flossing become even more important when wearing braces. In addition to the recommended twice daily brushing, it is also recommended that you brush after each meal. This will help to remove any stuck food particles as well as cavity-causing plaque and bacteria. As you brush, make sure that you are diligent in cleaning all around each bracket as well as the entire surface of each tooth. Flossing is also crucial. We recommend using a floss threader to get the floss underneath the wires. Clean between the teeth as well as under the wire and around the brackets. Make sure that you do not floss too hard, as this can damage your gums as well as your braces.
Read more about oral hygiene when wearing braces.
The Importance of Regular Dental Visits
Even with regular orthodontic appointments, you should still have your regular 6-month dental cleanings and exams while you are wearing braces. Your general dentist will be able to help you further prevent oral health issues. They will also be able to detect issues in their earliest stages. This will allow for less invasive treatments that will help to avoid more significant complications.
Braces and Sports
Mouthguards are always recommended for sports, especially those that have a higher risk of injuries. Injuries from sports can range from mild to severe and include lacerations, damaged teeth, and a fractured jawbone. When wearing braces, injuries can be even more severe. It is not just about wearing any mouthguard, though. A custom mouthguard should be created. This will allow the mouthguard to fit over your braces more effectively, thus providing you with the best protection possible for your braces and your mouth.
If you have any questions about taking care of your braces, we are here to help. Call Senestraro Family Orthodontics at (503) 925-8899 today for more information. |
