Braces Care
Braces Care Canley Heights
Braces are effective dental appliances designed to help correct the alignment of our teeth and jaws, which can offer better general health — and a long-lasting smile that lasts a lifetime.
However, braces come a greater opportunity for plaque build-up in and around the spaces and our teeth and gums.
This makes it essential to take extra care when practising oral hygiene as well as cleaning our braces regularly.
Braces: Basic Hygiene and Care
It is important not only to practice a good oral hygiene routine but also to practice careful braces hygiene while wearing braces.
Because orthodontic appliances create more areas for plaque and bacteria to grow, cleaning them properly can help prevent any onset of periodontal disease and tooth decay and keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
When you get braces, your dentist may provide or recommend a product or device that will help you clean your braces. Make sure to use them as instructed to keep your oral hygiene in check.
This may take a little practice, but before long, it will become a quick-and-easy daily habit and part of your oral hygiene routine.
Remember that brushing your braces is not enough to keep them clean, and they will require special cleaning regularly.
If you wear removable braces, make sure to take them off and clean them with toothbrush and water every night.
How to Clean your Braces
- Make sure to remove any bands, straps, or headgear.
- Position your brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum. Use gentle side-to-side strokes to clean along the gumline. Brush one tooth at a time for about 10 seconds each time.
- Do this for inner and outer sides and gum lines.
- Brush the chewing surfaces of all teeth, including back teeth.
- Brush around braces from top to bottom and in reverse. Try not to put too much pressure on the wires or brackets.
Diet Tips
When you are installed with braces, your Canley Heights dentist will most likely recommend you take special care of them by considering your dietary choices.
There are certain foods that may damage your braces and make it necessary to return to the clinic for fixing or further treatment.
Here are a few tips to prevent damage to your braces while eating and drinking:
- Avoid chewing gum
- Avoid drinking acidic drinks
- Hard fruits and foods that require firm chewing should be cut into smaller pieces before eating
- Limit your intake of sweets
- Avoid hard and sticky candies
Braces Lifestyle Changes
It may seem a bit overwhelming, but you should be able to adapt to your braces and make a natural habit of looking after them and your oral health.
Braces don’t stay forever, but their effect on your dental health will be around for a long time once they are removed.
Remember to:
- See your Canley Heights dentist monthly for adjustments if necessary
- Wear a protective mouthguard if you play sports or engage in leisure activities
- Bring a toothbrush with you when leaving home and clean your braces whenever you think it’s necessary
Braces Care in Canley Heights
Taking care of your braces is like taking care of your own teeth. Always remember that they do you a lot of favour in enhancing your smile.
Visit your Canley Heights dentist today!
If you want to know more about our dental braces in Canley Heights, please call us on (02) 9199 9678 or book your appointment online.
We are located at 1/229 Canley Vale Road in Canley Heights.