When deciding to undergo teeth straightening it is important that you also take into account the time and dedication needed to keep your teeth and brace looking their best. It is important that you care for your teeth and braces to ensure that you do not develop gum disease or tooth decay which can massively affect the outcome of your treatment.
Here at Teeth & Smiles, the team have come up with our top tips to care for your brace, whether you have fixed or removable appliances.
- Never Skip Brushing
Taking care of your teeth and gums takes on a new level of importance when you wear braces. It is very important that you take the time to brush your teeth regularly.
Use a toothbrush with a soft head, this can be either an electric or a manual one, with a fluoride toothpaste and ensure that you brush after every meal to remove any food that may have become lodged in your braces. If left this can cause a build-up of plaque and eventually lead to decay and gum disease.
To ensure that you are never caught unprepared always carry a toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag.
- Floss Daily
Flossing and interdental cleaning can help to remove those food particles missed by brushing alone. Gum disease and tooth decay can quickly develop where food particles are left trapped. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK and could severely affect the outcome of teeth straightening.
- Foods to skip
It is best when wearing fixed braces to avoid eating anything sticky or chewy that may get stuck in your braces. It is also a good idea to avoid crunchy apples, carrots and other hard foods that may break the wires on your braces. If you have removable braces, you will still be able to eat all your favourite foods as your braces will be removed for meals.
Along with avoiding certain foods, you’ll also want to watch what else you put in your mouth when you have either fixed or removable braces. Nail biters or pen chewers can damage their braces quite easily. Crunching down on other hard objects, such as ice, can also spell trouble.
Fizzy drinks can also cause problems as they are often high in sugar and are acidic. If your teeth are not cleaned properly it can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion whether you have fixed or removable braces.
- Get Damage Repaired Quickly
No matter how careful you are, at some point your braces are likely to snap or break. Ideally you should see your dentist as soon as possible. If you notice any damage to your braces or aligners, be sure to book a repair appointment as soon as possible. This will ensure that your treatment can be continued as planned and will prevent your teeth from regressing back to their original position.
- Do Not Skip Appointments
If you consistently miss appointments, it can greatly increase the length of time you will need to wear you brace for and in the long term can hinder your desire to achieve a straighter smile.
If you would like to find out more about how teeth straightening can improve the appearance of your smile, call Teeth & Smiles on 020 7352 7049 and book a consultation today.