There are various set of aftercare instructions you get from your orthodontist after your braces treatment, including brushing with braces. It is vital to follow all the instructions regarding oral hygiene to make your teeth straightening treatment successful.
But it is a bit tricky to brush your teeth with braces. Therefore we are mentioning 7 helpful tips here on brushing with braces:-
- Number of Times to Brush
People without braces are generally suggested to brush twice a day. But if you are on braces, you need to follow an unusual routine. You need to brush after all the main meals of your day. So you need to remember to brush after breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bedtime. Getting lazy and skipping to brush can lead to severe infections like gingivitis in your teeth.
- Type of Toothbrush
It is advisable to use a soft-bristled toothbrush if you are on braces. Your teeth are in vulnerable condition after teeth straightening treatment. Stiff bristles can damage them. Choose a brush with an angled head to clean the plaque from inside the braces. You can also use the latest devices like an electric toothbrush and a water pick. But remember to keep the electric toothbrush in sensitive mode.
- Type of Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is, as such, not good for your teeth. Their whitening agents are made up of some harmful chemicals. Apart from causing damage to your teeth, whitening toothpaste will partially whiten your teeth, leaving the area covered with brackets. You don’t want to end up with spotted teeth after braces treatment. Hence, use a regular toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.
- Preparation Before Brushing
You usually just pick up toothpaste and a brush and start brushing. But brushing with braces requires preparing your teeth beforehand. First, clean your teeth of the residue of the foods eaten, then begin to brush. (We hope that you are not eating chewy, sticky and hard foods while on braces.) You can use a toothpick or a rubber-tipped gum massager to clear your teeth of any morsel. After this, rinse your mouth well to get it to stir clear of anymore lodged food.
- Brushing With Braces Technique
The correct technique of brushing with braces is also crucial. It would be best if you brush your gums before starting to brush your teeth. Brush them at a 45-degree angle. You need to keep tilting your brush to get it inside all the brackets. Take short circular strokes to get inside gums and braces. And take flat strokes to clean the surface. Go slow and gentle on both teeth and braces. Brush for more than 2 minutes when you are on braces.
- Floss Along With Brush
Flossing once in a day is as essential as brushing while you are undergoing teeth straightening. You need a floss thread while you are on braces. Still, it will be more complicated to floss with braces. Be patient and invest time in flossing if you want healthy teeth after braces.
- Technique of Flossing With Braces
Wrap the floss thread around a finger of your one hand and hold it’s another end in your other hand’s finger. Engulf each tooth in a C shape with the thread to clean it. You can clean each tooth in the same way for at least 20-30 seconds. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash after flossing.
These are some basic but crucial tips regarding brushing teeth with braces routine. The tips mentioned above will help you come out of your braces treatment with healthy teeth. For more help, its important that you consult your orthodontist and follow all instructions.
As a parents of a child undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is important that you have all your questioned answered. Palate expander braces are often a part of a child’s orthodontic treatment and I have seen a lot of parents ask 7 common questions.
So, let’s take a look at these 7 questions that I am going to answer for you.
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What are Palate Expander Braces and why are they required?
Palate expander braces are devices used to control the upper jaw’s growth before starting the braces treatment. It is also known as an orthodontic expander. It is positioned on the surface of the upper jaw. Its job is to widen the upper jaw by gradually putting pressure on the top molars.
The orthodontic expander is a part of the interceptive orthodontic treatment. It is required for patients who need extra room for future teeth growth. It is also helpful in the case of crossbite.
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At what age should my child get palate expander braces?
A child should get a palate expander at the age of 7-8 years. At this age, their jawbones are in the formation stage. Thus it becomes easier for the expander to do its job. The mentioned age group is ideal for starting the treatment. But palate expander can treat older teenagers as well.
- What is the procedure for fitting the orthodontic expander?
Expanders are manufactured according to the shape and size of the patient’s jaw. They are fitted at the roof of the mouth in top teeth through helves. There are screws placed in the expander. These screws are used to adjust the pressure it puts on both palatal bones. A unique key comes with each orthodontic expander to move the screws.
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Will palate expanders be painful for my child?
Your child can feel discomfort and sensitivity. Discomfort is caused by the tightness and pressure of the expander. Most parents are advised to tighten the screw of the expander once or twice daily for ¼ mm or ½ mm only.
The discomfort and sensitivity will last for some time in the beginning only. Your child will get used to it gradually.
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What is the duration for which my child needs to be on orthodontic expanders?
The expander can be prescribed for as less as 3 months and more than 6 months also. Meanwhile, your orthodontist will guide you to move the screw periodically to get the desired result. Your dentist can replace the palate expander after 6 months with smaller appliances like a removable acrylic retainer or trans-palatal arch.
- Does my child need an altered diet while on a palate expander?
If your children are in the growing years, they must eat a healthy and balanced diet. At the same time, hard food like nuts, carrots, or apples needs to be avoided. Or you can give them these hard foods after cutting them into small pieces. Make sure they stay away from hard candies and sticky chewing gums. You can serve soft fruits, ice creams, and juices to satisfy their sweet craving.
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Is there any aftercare?
In any orthodontic treatment, your child needs to be diligent with oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day is mandatory. Sometimes, your child can be asked to brush after every meal.
Contact our clinic if you have any further questions. And make an appointment for your child while he/she is young to make sure their orthodontic treatment can start on time.
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