With cosmetic dentistry in Toronto, people who suffer from crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth can now correct their issue using dental braces.
However, while dental braces offer a solution for a common problem, they can be a shocking adjustment for people who have never used them before. For people who get braces for teeth, it can be confusing to figure out how to take care of their teeth and their new braces.
Luckily, caring for dental braces is not very difficult. While it may be a bit of a new experience, it is actually very easy to care for your teeth and your braces; all you have to do is follow a few simple tips.
Tips to Take Care of Your Braces
By following these braces tips, you can ensure that your teeth are properly cared for and that your braces are kept in good condition.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing is really important when using dental braces, as there are areas in your mouth that a toothbrush will be unable to reach. You can use floss to help clean these areas, removing stuck food and bacteria. When flossing, it’s important to push the floss down underneath the wire bracket of your braces. You can use a floss threader or water flosser to help do a more thorough cleaning.
Brushing with Braces
Brushing your teeth while using dental braces is a little different than brushing them without braces. You can use the same technique, but you should always use a soft-bristled brush that won’t damage your braces. There is actually a special toothbrush called a proxabrush that can provide better cleaning for people with braces. Before brushing, it’s important to remove elastics and other removable parts from your braces. While brushing, you need to make sure that you clean under the wires. As well, since food can become stuck in your braces, it is often advised to brush up to four times per day.
Rubber Bands
If you’re using rubber bands, which are common towards the end of your treatment, it’s important to wear them for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Otherwise, they may not be as effective and your treatment may take longer. The only time you should remove rubber bands is when you brush your teeth or when you replace them after meals. Always keep backups, in case one of them breaks.
Foods to Avoid
If you have braces, there are some types of food that you should avoid. Hard foods can damage the wires and bracket in your braces as can sticky and chewy foods. Plus, sugary foods should be avoided as they can feed bacteria and lead to tooth decay. Avoid hard candies, chewy candies, nuts, gum, apples, carrots, pop, and other foods that are chewy, hard, or sugary.
Avoid Drinks and Foods that Stain
There are also some other types of food that should be avoided, not because they can damage your braces, but because they can lead to visible stains and discoloration. These foods and drinks include red wine, coffee, tea, fruit punch, and freezies. Stay clear of any food that might stain your teeth or braces.
Loose Bracket or Wire Breaks
Loose brackets and wire breaks can cause discomfort, injuries, and other problems, which is why they need to be taken care of by a dental professional. If you have suffered a serious injury from a wire break, it is considered an emergency and you should see an emergency dentist right away. If there is a loose bracket or a wire break with your braces, you can temporality fix this by applying some orthodontic wax to cushion your mouth or soften a sharp end. Once you have done that, go see your dentist so they can fix the problem.
Caring for Retainers
With removable retainers, it’s important to wear them 24 hours a day, or for the amount of time recommended by your dentist. Retainers can be removed for cleaning and for brushing your teeth. However, it’s important to also brush your retainers, as they can develop plaque buildup just like regular teeth.
Visit Cosmetic Dentist for Check-Ups
When you have dental braces, it’s important to see your cosmetic dentist for regular check-ups to ensure that there are no issues, your braces are working as intended, and that your teeth are in good condition. Cosmetic dentistry, like braces and other techniques, can also have an impact on the health of your teeth. For instance, if you aren’t cleaning properly with braces, then your teeth may be more susceptible to tooth decay. Regular check-ups are important for this reason.
Contact Us for Cosmetic Dentistry in Toronto
If you want to improve your smile, then Princeview Dental can provide the cosmetic dentistry services that will have you looking your best. For over 20 years, we have been a fixture of The Kingsway area in Etobicoke, providing cosmetic dentistry treatments, including dental braces and retainers that can correct crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth. We also offer Invisalign invisible braces, which can correct your teeth while blending in seamlessly with your mouth. We also provide timely care for emergency dental issues. Contact us today, at (416) 231-4562, to find out the cosmetic solutions that we can provide for you.
