Orthodontic treatment, whether you’re using braces or aligners, requires extra care to maintain optimal oral health. While the goal of treatment is to improve your smile, proper maintenance is essential to prevent issues like cavities, gum disease, or damage to your appliances.
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
Maintaining a routine of brushing and flossing helps remove food particles and plaque that can get trapped in your braces or aligners. For braces, use a special orthodontic toothbrush with soft bristles to clean around the brackets and wires. For aligners, brush your teeth and aligners after each meal.
2. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
To prevent damage to your braces or aligners, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods like candy, gum, and popcorn. These can break brackets or get stuck in your aligners, causing discomfort and delays in treatment.
3. Use Orthodontic Wax
If your braces cause irritation to your gums or the inside of your mouth, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp edges of your brackets and wires. This can provide temporary relief until you can visit your orthodontist for adjustments.
4. Attend Regular Check-Ups
Regular visits to your orthodontist are essential for keeping your treatment on track. Your orthodontist will adjust your braces or aligners and ensure your teeth are moving as planned.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and bacteria that may be lingering in your mouth. It also helps keep your mouth moist, preventing dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath and an increased risk of cavities.
6. Wear Your Retainers as Directed
Once your braces or aligners are removed, your orthodontist will likely give you a retainer to help maintain your new smile. Wearing your retainer as instructed is critical to ensure your teeth do not shift back to their previous positions.
