Braces and aligners are both popular orthodontic treatments that can help to straighten teeth and improve the overall appearance of your smile. However, it is important to take extra care of your teeth and gums when you have braces or aligners. This is because food particles and plaque can easily become trapped in the metal brackets and wires, or under the aligners, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Tips for brushing and flossing with braces or aligners

Here are some tips for brushing and flossing with braces or aligners:

• Brush your teeth after every meal and snack. This will help to remove food particles and plaque before they have a chance to build up.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. A soft-bristled toothbrush will be gentle on your gums and brackets, while fluoride toothpaste will help to strengthen your tooth enamel.
• Brush for two minutes each time. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and top.
• Floss your teeth once a day. Flossing helps to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Use an interdental brush. An interdental brush is a small brush that can be used to clean around your braces or aligners.

 Foods to avoid with braces or aligners

There are a few foods that you should avoid when you have braces or aligners, including:

• Hard foods: Hard foods, such as candy, nuts, and popcorn, can damage your braces or aligners.
• Sticky foods: Sticky foods, such as caramel, gum, and taffy, can get stuck in your braces or aligners and be difficult to remove.
• Chewy foods: Chewy foods, such as bagels and beef jerky, can also damage your braces or aligners.

Seeing your dentist with braces or aligners

It is important to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings when you have braces or aligners. Your dentist will be able to check your teeth and gums for signs of problems and provide you with advice on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Yarraville Dental has a team of experienced dentists who can provide you with comprehensive dental care for patients with braces or aligners. We can help you to develop a personalized oral hygiene routine and provide you with the information and support you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Contact Yarraville Dental today to schedule a consultation and learn more about dental care for patients with braces or aligners.

FAQs

Q: What are the most common problems that patients with braces or aligners experience?

A: The most common problems that patients with braces or aligners experience are food getting stuck in their braces or aligners, discomfort, and difficulty brushing and flossing.

Q: How can I prevent food from getting stuck in my braces or aligners?

A: To prevent food from getting stuck in your braces or aligners, avoid eating hard, sticky, and chewy foods. You should also cut your food into small pieces and chew thoroughly before swallowing.

Q: How can I relieve discomfort caused by braces or aligners?

A: There are a few things you can do to relieve discomfort caused by braces or aligners, such as:

• Placing a warm compress on the area of discomfort
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Using a wax orthodontics to cover any sharp edges on your braces

Q: How can I brush and floss my teeth with braces or aligners?

A: To brush and floss your teeth with braces or aligners, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and top. You should also floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth.

Q: How often should I see my dentist with braces or aligners?

A: You should see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every six months, or as often as your dentist recommends.