Clear braces are used during an orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth. Taking care of braces requires consistent care to keep them clean and effective. Failure to take care of your braces results in discomfort and can even delay the treatment plan. Here are a few ways to take care of your clear braces:
Brush and Floss Regularly
It may not be enough to brush your teeth only morning and night if you need your braces to remain clean and free from food debris. Brush after every meal and after eating snacks. This habit helps remove trapped particles around the brackets, keeping them clean and clear. When possible, use an electric toothbrush as it can enhance cleaning effectiveness.
While brushing helps remove surface debris, flossing reaches between the teeth and around the braces, where food often hides. A water flosser will help make this easier, especially if you are new to flossing. Using mouthwash, preferably one that has antibacterial properties, helps reach areas that flossing and brushing might miss.
Avoid Foods That Damage Your Braces
Certain types of food will damage the brackets or wires, while others might stain the clear material, affecting the discreet appearance of your braces. Hard foods like candies and nuts can put pressure on the braces, which causes damage. Sticky treats cling to the braces and can be challenging to clean off. This increases the risk of buildup. Crunchy snacks, like chips or popcorn, pose a challenge as small pieces get trapped and become hard to remove.
Regular intake of foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and sauces can stain the brackets over time. If you find it challenging to avoid these foods, keep a toothbrush or dental rinse at hand to clean your braces immediately after consuming them. Most soft, easy-to-eat foods cause no harm to clear braces. Instead of consuming hard foods, options like cooked vegetables, pasta, smoothies, and yogurt help protect your braces.
Protect Your Braces During Sports
A mouthguard can help safeguard your braces during sports. These devices are designed to protect your braces, teeth, and mouth from potential injury during impact. During your treatment, orthodontic mouthguards are beneficial as they are made from soft, high-grade materials. The materials prevent your cheeks and lips from pressing against the brackets during physical contact.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Dental visits make sure your treatment is on schedule and help address any potential problems before they worsen. Your orthodontist closely observes the movements of your teeth, changes the clear braces if necessary, and guides you on how to maintain your oral health.
Regular dental visits are an opportunity to clean and remove plaque and tartar buildup in areas that are hard to reach with floss. Professional cleaning services help protect your teeth and gums from problems like decay or irritation caused by debris surrounding the braces. During your routine appointment, your orthodontist can provide solutions to any of your concerns.
What Do Clear Braces Treat?
Clear braces are a versatile orthodontic solution that addresses different dental alignment issues. Clear braces help in addressing misaligned or crooked teeth. Crowding or overlapping teeth can be difficult to clean, leading to poor oral hygiene, which results in tooth decay and gum disease.
They are also used to address teeth spacing issues. These gaps occur as a result of missing teeth, genetics, or childhood habits like thumb-sucking. Braces work to close these spaces, improving the functionality and appearance of your teeth. Clear braces also help fix overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. These issues occur once the lower and upper teeth fail to meet. This can potentially cause jaw discomfort, difficulty in chewing, and speech impediments. Once the braces help in aligning the teeth and jaw, they alleviate these problems, leading to better oral comfort and health.
Visit an Orthodontist Today
Taking care of your braces not only helps in achieving a healthy and beautiful smile but also helps in improving oral hygiene. If you care for your braces properly, you can enjoy successful orthodontic results. When choosing an orthodontist, look into their approach to treatment. They should help you understand your needs and the treatment process. Schedule an appointment with your local orthodontist to get started today.
