If you are having your dental misalignment corrected with braces, you may be excited about the prospect of enjoying straight, white teeth. However, without properly maintaining your teeth and your appliance throughout the treatment process, your final results may not meet your expectations. Here are a few maintenance measures that braces wearers should take.

Brush and Floss Thoroughly

The brushing and flossing of your teeth before braces have been applied are both relatively simple endeavors. You brush for at least two minutes twice a day and floss daily. However, after your braces are in place, you must navigate around the brackets, archwire, and elastic bands to clean your teeth. 

Your dentist may suggest a floss threader, water flosser, and interdental brushes to aid in your hygienic maintenance during your treatment. The floss threader allows the user to move the string floss safely beneath the components of the braces and between the teeth. The process does require a bit of dexterity, so some orthodontic patients prefer a water flosser. The device uses a stream of water to displace the plaque and bits of food that may be caught on the braces and the teeth.

Also, interdental brushes that resemble tiny pipe cleaners may be used to clean around the braces. In addition, an electronic toothbrush with an orthodontic head may be used to help clean the teeth thoroughly and quickly.

The proper maintenance of the teeth is important to avoid decay that could prolong your treatment with braces. If a cavity develops, some of your brackets may have to be temporarily removed to treat it. Any plaque left around the gum line may also cause gingival inflammation that results in gum swelling. As the tissues swell, you may experience more discomfort in areas where the braces make consistent contact with the soft tissues.

Visit Your Dentist or Orthodontist on Schedule

The dentist or orthodontist must make regular adjustments to the braces throughout the course of the treatment. Not only is the archwire regularly adjusted to maintain adequate aligning forces to reposition the teeth, but any damage to the brackets or wires must also be repaired. In some cases, one or two brackets may need to be replaced for the proper maintenance of the appliance. If the patient fails to visit their provider according to the prescribed schedule, their treatment process may be compromised.

To learn more about maintaining your teeth and your appliance throughout your orthodontic correction, schedule an appointment with a dentist or orthodontist in your local area. Contact a company like Scott W. Murphy Dentistry in order to learn more.

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