Having braces signifies a commitment to achieving a beautiful, aligned smile. However, maintaining optimal oral hygiene with braces is essential to prevent dental problems like cavities and gum disease. In this guide, we’ll explore effective strategies and tips to ensure excellent dental hygiene during orthodontic treatment, highlighting the expertise of orthodontists in Ahmedabad and the importance of regular visits to Smile Craft Dental Studio – Satellite Branch.

What are Braces?

Before knowing how to care for your braces, let us know first what braces are and how they work. In dentistry, braces are orthodontic tools that help align your misaligned teeth and fix other misalignment-related issues. These devices contain brackets and can improve your teeth, which are misaligned. 

Braces are known to straighten crooked teeth, fix gaps between teeth, solve malocclusions, and correct underbites, overbites, and gaps between teeth.

You can consult the dental clinic in Ahmedabad for an effective orthodontic treatment. 

What are the different types of braces?

There are different types of braces, among which five are the most commonly recognised. They are;

1. Traditional Braces

Traditional Braces, also known as metal braces, are made up of metal brackets with an adhesive and connected by wire. These metal braces require 4-6 weeks of tightening for applying proper pressure on the teeth. Compared to other braces, these are the most reasonably priced.

2. Ceramic Braces

Ceramic Braces, also called Clear Braces, are clear and match the colour of your teeth. The Ceramic Braces comprise polycrystalline alumina, a material that matches the teeth’ colour and blends easily. Ceramic Braces are another most affordable type of braces after ceramic braces. 

3. Lingual Braces 

Lingual Braces are another type that helps align your teeth and bring them to a proper position. Unlike other braces, lingual braces are placed on the inner side of the teeth for an effective result; if you don’t want your braces to appear on the top of your teeth, then the lingual braces can work better for you. 

4. Self-Ligating Braces

Suppose you are expecting a brace with more advanced features, then the self-ligating braces will be the best choice for you! It is available in several advanced features along with better motion/ movement features. 

5. Invisalign/Invisible Braces:

With the name itself, one can assume that the invisible braces are less visible in front of others. Invisible Braces are transparent tools that help align your teeth faster than any other tool; this applies here because Invisalign is suitable only for treating a slight misalignment. 

What are the Benefits of the Braces for Your Teeth?

Braces are very much beneficial to your teeth in many ways. Here are a few to mention. 

• Corrects Gaps:

The Misalignment in the teeth disrupts the order of your teeth, resulting in the gaps in between your teeth. It can be treated by bringing them to the proper position. Henceforth, ceramic braces help treat holes which is present in between your teeth.

• Enhances Appearance:

Dental Braces correct your alignment issues and bring your teeth into a proper shape, making them more appealing. It makes your teeth seem better overall and opens the door to better alignment problems. 

• Prevents Injuries:

Protruding teeth are more likely to result in dental injuries; by fixing your teeth and the alignment of your teeth, you can help your teeth get rid of the dental damage caused to your teeth. 

• Improves Speech:

You can look at your teeth’s alignment if you are suffering from a lisp while talking. A misaligned tooth is more likely to affect your speech, creating a lisp while speaking. Thus, braces also play a vital role in influencing your teeth.

• Digestion:

When you have proper teeth with alignment and adequate gaps, it helps in better chewing, reducing your time for Digestion. Improved Digestion is also one of the functions of Digestion. 

A new hygiene routine with braces

It is more important than ever to take great care of your braces-wearing teeth. When wearing braces, maintain the hygiene routine we’ve prescribed to keep your teeth healthy and clean:

How to floss with braces?

Flossing becomes even more critical with braces as food particles tend to get trapped easily. Using a floss threader or orthodontic flosser can make the process easier and more efficient. Opting for waxed floss minimises the risk of snagging on braces, promoting gentle yet thorough cleaning.

Brushing Techniques with Braces

Brushing after every meal is paramount to prevent plaque buildup and maintain oral health. Utilising an electric toothbrush with soft bristles ensures effective cleaning while being gentle on braces. This practice, recommended by the orthodontist in ahmedabad, promotes optimal hygiene throughout orthodontic treatment.

Rinsing with Mouthwash

Mouthwash serves as a valuable addition to your oral hygiene routine, killing harmful bacteria and freshening breath. Selecting fluoride mouthwash for adults, as advised by dental professionals, contributes to enamel strength and cavity prevention. Regular rinsing with mouthwash complements brushing and flossing efforts, promoting comprehensive oral care.

Regular Orthodontist and Dentist Visits

Frequent visits to an orthodontist are essential for adjustments and monitoring progress. Coordination with a dental clinic in ahmedabad ensures comprehensive care, including regular check-ups and cleanings. This collaborative approach facilitates early detection of issues and timely intervention, contributing to optimal oral health outcomes.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

With braces, there are some foods that you should avoid, and for good reason. As a rule of thumb, avoid foods that are sticky, chewy, hard, or sugary and starchy. These foods are known to build up plaque, get stuck between your teeth, damage your brackets or wires, or stain your teeth.

A list of foods to avoid when wearing braces is provided below:

• Gummy and sticky food: gum, caramels, dried fruit, corn on the cob, and gummy sweets
• Crunchy and hard food: popcorn, apples, carrots, ice cubes, nuts, hard candy
• Sugary and starchy food: soda pop, fruit juice, white rice or bread, desserts

Protecting Your Smile with Braces

Wearing a mouthguard during sports activities is crucial to safeguard braces and prevent injuries to the mouth. Additionally, orthodontic wax offers relief from discomfort caused by chafing, enhancing comfort during treatment. Promptly addressing broken brackets or wires minimises disruptions to treatment progress and ensures optimal results.

Remember, it’s an investment

Caring for braces is a lot different than before. It’s no secret that these extra steps will take additional time, but remember, braces are an investment that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing sensitive teeth while wearing braces requires diligence and adherence to proper oral hygiene practices. By following the recommended hygiene routine, including flossing with orthodontic tools, brushing after every meal, rinsing with mouthwash, and attending regular orthodontist and dentist visits, individuals can minimise discomfort and maintain optimal oral health throughout orthodontic treatment. Avoiding certain foods and protecting the smile with braces also contribute to successful outcomes. Remember, caring for braces is an investment in long-term oral health and a beautiful smile. With commitment and proper care, individuals can achieve the desired results and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, aligned smile for years to come. Trust in Smile Craft Dental Studio – Satellite Branch to guide you through your orthodontic journey with expertise and care.