How to care for your braces?

Have you recently got your braces? Are you excited to see your new well-aligned smile once they are off? We at Wilmington Orthodontic Center understand the excitement and the little apprehension that you may be feeling with your newly acquired braces. 

To achieve the full benefits of your orthodontic treatment and make sure that your treatment goes as planned, it is essential to take proper care of your braces and oral health. With this blog, we aim to give you the best tips to care for your braces so you can have the dazzling smile you deserve. 

1) BRUSH YOUR TEETH PROPERLY

With braces, it is now more important than ever to have a proper brushing routine. Use good quality toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth twice a day. Dr. Pancko at Wilmington Orthodontic Center will advise you on the best toothpaste for you and your braces. 

Improper brushing habits can lead to plaque accumulation on your teeth and even around the braces causing dental cavities, gum diseases, and it can even lead to bad breath. In addition, you must get rid of all the debris accumulated in your mouth throughout the day.

If you are wearing Invisalign for teeth straightening, ensure you remove it to brush your teeth twice a day and keep your pearly whites shining bright. 

2) FLOSS 

Flossing is an activity many people tend to skip regularly. However, flossing your teeth while you have your braces on is exceptionally important to remove food debris and plaque, which accumulates in the crooks and crevices of your mouth. Ensure you use a floss recommended by our orthodontist Dr. Pancko. It is a must to be careful not to displace or remove any wires or brackets while flossing. 

3) FOODS TO AVOID

Avoid eating foods that are of hard consistency, chewy, or sticky. Some examples of food to avoid while having braces are nuts, candies, chewing gum, popcorn, apples, corns, carrots, etc. 

These types of food can break the braces wire or even dislodge a bracket placed. This can cause the wires to poke and sometimes can even lead to injuries. Therefore, Dr. Pancko advises you to keep yourself away from such food while getting your orthodontic treatment done at Wilmington Orthodontic Center.

4) USE A MOUTH RINSE

It is easy to miss some spots while brushing or flossing your teeth. Braces can make these activities a little complicated. Add a mouth rinse to your daily dental hygiene routine to ensure better oral care. It will eliminate the offending agents stuck between your teeth and give you a fresher breather. 

5) DO NOT MISS YOUR DENTAL APPOINTMENT

Lastly, do not miss your appointments at Wilmington Orthodontic Center. Doing so can cause your treatment milestones to delay, and without proper dental care, you are more prone to suffering from gum diseases. Apart from this, Dr. Pancko may also suggest you visit a periodontist for regular dental cleaning and assessment of gum health to ensure proper treatment. 

If you want a well-aligned sparkling smile, wait no more! Please schedule an appointment with us today at Wilmington Orthodontic Center. If you have any questions or would like to know more about our services, please call us, and we will be there to assist you.