Braces Care Routine

• Don’t Use with Traditional Braces

While straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment, such as braces, wanting to keep your teeth pearly white is only natural. But, it is not recommended to undergo any whitening treatment at home. Orthodontists at Success Smiles Orthodontics can coach you on the best oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth healthy as well as white. The reason you should not use whitening products with braces is because the braces and brackets are bonded to your teeth and the solutions can only lighten the areas that are exposed. The part of the tooth that is covered by brackets does not get treated and therefore will leave your smile two-toned.

• Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is also an issue because whitening products can increase reactivity which is not ideal when teeth are shifting into place. There are several products and ways to keep your teeth healthy, white and squeaky clean while wearing braces. Brushing with a good toothbrush is the first thing anyone should do, whether wearing braces or not. Orthodontists at Success Smiles Orthodontics prefer electric toothbrushes for brushing with braces because plaque has more places to hide when there are brackets or wires in your mouth.

• Brushing

Electric toothbrushes are more efficient in keeping plaque away. Manual toothbrushes are great, too, and the special orthodontic brushes at Success Smiles Orthodontics come in really cool colors and have v-shaped bristles to better maneuver around brackets. Brushing for a full two minutes during every session and giving each individual tooth attention is the most important thing about brushing your teeth. Brushing in the morning, before bed and after every meal and snack will help keep your teeth white and ward off cavities and gum disease and remove surface stains, too.

• Flossing

Flossing is important for maintaining good oral health and oral hygiene. A routine of flossing after brushing will help by eliminating plaque or debris between your teeth. It will also help make your smile look brighter and healthier. You can certainly use regular dental floss when you are wearing braces but orthodontic floss and floss threaders found at Success Smiles Orthodontics makes life easier. Flossing once a day, preferably before bed, will clean the areas between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.

• Toothpaste

Using non-abrasive toothpaste that does not contain whitening ingredients are the best for braces. Just as with a whitening treatment, using whitening toothpaste with braces will mean only the visible areas of your teeth are addressed. When your braces come off, your teeth will have darker spots where the brackets were. A regular fluoride toothpaste will even the color out and keep your enamel strong and also help prevent cavities.

• Interdental Brush

An interdental brush that looks like a tiny wand is an amazing tool for braces wearers to get into the nooks and crannies and ensure your smile is sparkling clean and looking white. They are simple to use and a good thing to bring when you are on-the-go. Sizing of the interdental brush is important and the experts at Success Smiles Orthodontics can help.

• Water Flossing and Brush

A Waterpik or other water flosser is also excellent for getting that really clean feeling when you have braces and for knocking pieces of food loose, especially around the gum line. However, it is not a substitute for regular flossing. When you are wearing braces, you can be at a higher risk for cavities because they trap food and plaque. A fluoride mouthwash is a good way to end your practice and adds some added protection. Plus, it will also freshen your breath. Avoid whitening mouthwashes.

Oral Hygiene Routine

A good oral hygiene routine is the secret to keeping teeth white with braces and to keep your smile looking healthier and brighter. Remember, whitening products and braces do not mix, so save them for after your braces come off and let the professionals at Success Smiles Orthodontics provide you with the tools you will need to get and maintain that beautiful dazzling white and healthy smile.