Cleaning your teeth while wearing braces is one of the most important parts of the experience. If you don’t remove food particles and plaque buildup, you run the risk of tooth decay, staining, and bad breath. Follow these tips for keeping your mouth clean and sparkly.
1. Brush, brush, brush!! Make sure you focus on every single tooth, especially the places where your braces and teeth meet.
2. Clean every side of your teeth. Brush the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces. Don’t forget your gum line because plaque likes to hide there.
3. Angle your brush. Brush the top teeth and braces with your toothbrush angled down, and brush the bottom teeth and braces with your toothbrush angled up. This gives the bristles access to the areas where food tends to get caught above and below your braces.
4. Brush after eating. No matter if it’s a full meal or a light snack, food can get trapped in your braces and lead to decay. The longer the food is there, the greater your risk of plaque formation. Brush after eating, or rinse your mouth with water if you can’t brush.
5. Be prepared. Bring toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss with you so that you can brush no matter where you are.
6. Use fluoride. Choose fluoride toothpaste and rinse with fluoride mouthwash, which will both help prevent cavities.
7. Remove the accessories. If you have headgear or elastic bands, take those off before brushing or flossing.
8. Consider options besides just dental floss. You may find it easier to use a floss threader, or Superfloss that is a combination of regular floss and threaders.
9. Get to the point. Cone-shaped brushes with pointy ends are designed to reach areas around your braces that toothbrushes can’t.
10. Don’t forget your dentist. Go for regular dental checkups to get professional, thorough cleanings.
Dr. Fotovat is an Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks, CA
Look around and you’ll see that orthodontic treatment has grown in popularity among adults. Research shows that the number of adults wearing braces is up 24 percent since 1996. With advances in technology and teeth straightening methods, adults have realized that orthodontics can improve their smile without negatively impacting their appearance or lifestyle that much during the process.
Some of the most frequent reasons that adults seek orthodontic treatment are:
• Crowded teeth or gapped teeth, sometimes from tooth decay or gum disease that has occurred over the years
• Misaligned bite that makes teeth fit together improperly
• Crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw that causes pain or pressure
The bottom line is that most adults seek a healthy mouth and attractive smile. Sometimes, adults choose orthodontic treatment to help them in the workplace because they feel a nice appearance can help them achieve their goals. Adults also really appreciate the benefits of an attractive smile, and are willing to focus on their dental hygiene both during and after treatment. Also, if you’re paying for treatment yourself, you’re more likely to take it seriously.
Some adults are undergoing orthodontic treatment for the second time, having worn braces as a teenager but perhaps not following through with the maintenance such as wearing the retainer. Others never received treatment to address problems like overbites or underbites, crowded or crooked teeth, jaw misalignment, or jaw disorders. Without treatment, these issues can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, painful earaches and headaches. Speaking and eating problems can also result.
Advances in orthodontics allow treatment with less impacts on your lifestyle than in years past. Now there are more options besides traditional metal braces. Clear braces such as Invisalign are very popular, since they are removable and less noticeable. If you’re considering getting the smile you’ve always dreamed of, consult your dentist or orthodontist to learn more about how to achieve your goals.
Dr. Fotovat is an Orthodontist in Burbank, CA
Invisalign, a method of straightening teeth without traditional braces, involves wearing a series of clear plastic aligners to shift your teeth. Obviously, the goal is straight teeth and an aligned jaw. While achieving these goals, Invisalign provides some additional benefits. Let’s find out how Invisalign actually can improve your overall oral health.
Healthy gums
When your teeth are straight, they fit securely with your gums. This gives you the best chance of fighting off gum disease. Stress on your gums is decreased, as is redness and swelling that can accompany crowded or gapped teeth. By wearing the comfortable Invisalign aligners, your teeth gradually move into their ideal positions and your gums reap the benefits.
Easy cleaning
Because Invisalign retainers are removable, you avoid the hassles of trying to clean around the brackets and wires of traditional braces. It’s often difficult to remove plaque and food particles when braces are glued to your teeth, which is important in avoiding tooth decay. With Invisalign, brushing and flossing is accomplished normally and it’s easier to maintain a healthy mouth.
Better chewing and speech
Straight, correctly aligned teeth allow you to speak clearly, which sometimes can be affected by crowded teeth or a misaligned jaw. Chewing can also be more comfortable and effective when your upper and lower jaws are properly aligned.
Tooth structure
A correct bite and straight teeth play a part in healthy gums and protection of your tooth structure. Your jaw and teeth may experience added stress when the structures are out of alignment, causing pain and abnormal wear on your teeth.
Overall Health
Healthy teeth and gums, and an attractive smile, show that you take good care of yourself. Your self-confidence improves, and your general health can too. Invisalign can do more than just help you achieve a great smile.
Burbank Invisalign Orthodontist
Most problems that happen with your braces or other orthodontic appliances can be treated as soon as you can schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. You should contact their office if you have severe pain or a painful problem with your appliance that you can’t remedy yourself. In the meantime, there are some solutions you can try that offer temporary relief until you can get into the office. Here are some common problems that occur with appliances, and solutions that may help.
Loose bracket or band
Leave the bracket or band in place if it’s loose but still attached. Place some wax on it to hold it steady. If the bracket or band falls off completely, wrap it in a tissue to take with you when you see your orthodontist.
Loose wire
Try using tweezers to put the wire back in place, and cover it with wax. If neither of these help, use a fingernail clipper to trim the wire after the last tooth to which it’s attached. Place wax over that until you see your orthodontist.
Loose appliance
Place wax over any part of the appliance that is loose and poking you.
Poking wire
Use a pencil eraser to push down the wire that is poking you, or place wax on it so it’s not uncomfortable.
Headgear discomfort
If you haven’t been wearing your headgear as instructed, that may be causing your discomfort. The more you wear it, the more comfortable it becomes. If any portion of it is bent, such as the facebow, call your orthodontist.
Soreness
It is normal for your mouth to feel sore for the first three to five days after getting braces. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may help, as does taking ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain reliever.
Burbank Orthodontist
If you think you’ll be the only parent wearing braces on your teeth at the same time as your teenagers, think again. One out of every five patients wearing braces is an adult. Advances in orthodontic treatment have allowed wearing braces as an adult to become an appealing and realistic option. It’s not too late to change your smile so that you look and feel your best.
Do braces work for adults?
Braces can be successful on patients of all ages. The process of moving your teeth into more healthy and attractive positions is the same whether you’re 15 or 50. There’s still time to correct problems that may have been bothering you for many years, including crooked or crowded teeth, an overbite or underbite, or jaw issues.
Where do I start?
The first step is to schedule an appointment with a reputable orthodontist in your area. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. During your initial appointment, the orthodontist will usually assess your oral health, discuss treatment options, and answer your questions. Cost and insurance issues will be addressed, and initial photos, x-rays, and impressions might be taken if you choose to pursue treatment.
What are the benefits of adult braces?
Enhancing your smile through orthodontic work can improve you appearance, self-esteem, and your oral health. There are many options available today so that you can choose the one that fits your lifestyle the best. Braces are more comfortable, effective, and inconspicuous than ever before. If straightening your teeth has been your dream for a long time, consider making it a reality because age doesn’t matter.
Invisalign can improve your smile!
Wearing braces on your teeth can be a hassle, so you certainly want to have both a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth at the end of your treatment. That means you must be diligent about taking care of your teeth while wearing braces, so that you don’t develop cavities in the process. If you are a braces patient, you should know the hazards that increase your risk for cavities, as well as how to avoid getting them.
Cavities
Cavities result when plaque accumulates on your teeth and gums. Acid from the plaque develops holes in your teeth, and these cavities start out small but can grow into big problems. Small cavities may go unnoticed, but as they progress it can cause pain and tooth sensitivity.
Higher risk
Braces do not cause cavities, but patients wearing braces are at higher risk for developing them. This is due to the increased amount of food that gets caught in your teeth and wires. When bacteria attacks the food debris, it causes plaque buildup and higher chances of cavity formation as well as gum disease.
Cavity free
Before beginning orthodontic treatment, see your dentist for a full examination of your mouth to make sure no cavities are present. If so, the cavities need to be treated prior to any orthodontic work. Once you are cavity-free, braces may be placed on your teeth.
Avoiding cavities
Here are some tips to avoid cavities while you wear braces:
• Brush after each meal and snacks.
• Floss every day, even though it can be tricky around wires. Use flossers or other tools your orthodontist suggests to help make flossing easier.
• Use a mouthwash to combat bacteria left in your mouth.
• Some patients like using oral irrigators like waterpik to cleanse their mouth and wash away food particles.
• Limit the amount of sugar you eat and drink because it increases your risks for tooth decay.
