Brushing and flossing are important components of protecting your dental health. When you have braces, however, good oral hygiene becomes even more critical. If you don’t take good care of your teeth while wearing braces, you can develop issues like plaque, gum disease, and bad breath.
Because braces cover your teeth and remain in your mouth, food can get trapped in between teeth. This situation creates an optimal environment for plaque, the sticky film that coats your mouth and teeth. If patients don’t remove plaque from around braces, this substance can harden in to tartar, which leads to oral health problems.
Consider the following suggestions to help protect your teeth or your child’s teeth during orthodontic treatment:
Brushing
Select a soft-bristle toothbrush. If you like, look for toothbrushes specially designed for people with braces; these products have longer bristles on the outside and shorter ones in the center. Plan to brush three times a day, especially after meals, which will prevent food from staying trapped between brackets. Time yourself so that you brush for at least two minutes.
Flossing
Although flossing can be more difficult with braces, patients need to make the extra effort. Your orthodontist can recommend special products that will help you thread the floss under the wires. Ask your orthodontist if you aren’t sure about the right technique.
General Dental Care
For patients with braces, many orthodontists and dentists recommend more frequent visits to the family dentist. An extra cleaning can help remove any build up and allow your regular dentist to monitor your oral health. Your doctor may recommend a fluoride rinse for added protection.
Schedule an orthodontic consultation at Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic practice – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS
In most cases, you have probably either had braces, need braces, or know someone with braces. When you need orthodontic treatment, you often receive a great deal of information. Having a basic knowledge about the world of orthodontics will help you make educated decisions for yourself or a loved one.
What is orthodontics?
Simply put, orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental or facial irregularities.
How is an orthodontist different from a dentist?
While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. In addition to successfully completing dental school, orthodontists must also take another two to three years of advanced training.
Can I tell if braces are needed?
The best way to determine if you or a family member should seek orthodontic treatment is through an evaluation with an orthodontist. If you notice buck teeth, an overbite, under bite, or open bite, orthodontic treatment is a likely course of action.
What’s the difference between Phase I and Phase II?
With Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, patients are between 6 and 10 years old, and all their permanent teeth have not yet erupted. Certain problems are easier to treat when children are younger and they are still growing. Also called comprehensive treatment, Phase II happens once all permanent teeth come in and usually involves a full set of braces.
What are my treatment options?
That answer depends on your age and your specific case. Typically, younger children respond well to traditional metal braces. Older teens and adult patients often like less conspicuous choices. Ceramic brackets, clear aligners like Invisalign, and lingual braces can straighten your smile and allow you to maintain a professional image.
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Taking care of your teeth is important no matter what, but it’s even more crucial when you have braces. Food can get caught between braces or in the wires, increasing your risk for cavities, gum irritation, staining, and bad breath. To keep you smile healthy while wearing braces, follow these guidelines:
• Use a soft toothbrush, change your toothbrush at least every 3 months, and brush after every meal. The sooner you get rid of food trapped in your braces, the less your risk for tooth decay.
• Spend time brushing every single tooth, and make sure you brush each surface. Don’t forget the chewing surfaces and back sides of each tooth.
• Angle your toothbrush down to where the braces meet the tops of your teeth. Then angle the brush upward when you brush the bottoms of the braces and your teeth.
• Take off any removable items like rubber bands and head gear before brushing your teeth.
• Remember to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste with you so that you can brush after eating if possible, even when you’re not at home.
• Make sure you use fluoride toothpaste to provide extra protection in preventing cavities.
• Having braces doesn’t give you a free pass on flossing. Even thought it’s more time consuming, the need for flossing is just as great. If you have trouble using regular dental floss, try using floss threaders to make it easier.
• Continue with your regular dentist checkups and teeth cleanings. Your dentist will be able to get to areas you may have trouble with, and remove tartar to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
If you or your child needs orthodontic treatment, you may feel slightly overwhelmed by the details and terminology. Developing an understanding of the lingo will help you feel more comfortable with the process. After performing a thorough exam and evaluation, your orthodontist will explain treatment recommendations.
Some of the common orthodontic terms you may hear include:
Archwire
Designed to provide a guide for your teeth as they move, an archwire metal wire that attaches to the brackets. Your orthodontist will change the archwire periodically during treatment.
Brackets
A ceramic or metal piece cemented to the front of your teeth and used to hold the archwire in place.
Cross bite
Also called an under bite, a cross bite occurs when the lower teeth overlap with the upper teeth, which can cause gum recession and uneven tooth wear.
Expander
Often used before braces, an expander is an appliance used to make your jaw bigger.
Ligation
The process of attaching the archwire to your brackets.
Malocclusion
A misalignment or issue with the teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.
Orthodontics
The dental specialty dealing with preventing and correcting irregularities with the teeth. To be accredited as an orthodontist, a dentist must complete two to three years of post-graduate training after dental school.
Spacer
The small rubber device used to produce space between teeth so that the bands can be placed.
Retainer
Worn after the orthodontist removes your braces, a retainer attaches to the upper and lower teeth to keep them from shifting into the incorrect position. Retainers can be removable or bonded in place.
Often, babies and young children use thumb sucking as a method of self-soothing. While it may not seem like a problem, this habit can create dental issues involving teeth position and bite. One way to curb thumb sucking is placement of a dental crib. This orthodontic appliance can correct the habit and help adjust the position of the teeth.
What is a dental crib?
Cemented behind the upper teeth on the roof of the mouth, a dental crib consists of a half circle of wires connected to supporting bands or rings. The device hinders thumb sucking and makes it less appealing.
What is the process for getting a dental crib?
First, you should schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. Your doctor will examine your child and look for signs of any problems. If your child needs a dental crib, you will return for a second visit so that the orthodontist can take photos, X-rays, and impressions. At the third visit, your doctor will construct the dental crib and place it at the fourth appointment.
How long will my child wear a dental crib?
After placement, front teeth begin to shift in about two weeks. After four to six month, an open bite will close and teeth will straighten. Usually, your orthodontist will leave the device in place for 9 to 12 months to ensure that your child has broken the habit.
When is the best time to place a dental crib?
Ideally, you should have the appliance put in position once the upper front baby teeth become loose, but before the adult teeth have pushed out, which usually occurs around age six.
