If you have taken the plunge and had a brace fitted, you may be facing an array of questions about the dos and don’ts of looking after them.
There’s a lot of ‘brace myths’ out there that can leave you lost about the aftercare of your brace, so we’ve compiled a handy go to guide so you can set yourself on the right path to beautiful and straight looking teeth.
Brace Do’s
Keep your teeth clean by brushing at least twice a day. Food can easily get stuck in between the brackets and wires of your brace so this will ensure that your mouth is clean and will avoid the build-up of plaque or decay.
Replace your toothbrush at least every three months. You’d be surprised how much bacteria can build up on your toothbrush. Replacing it regularly can help to alleviate this.
Keep attending orthodontic appointments regularly to ensure that you’re always on the right track with your treatment. Missing appointments can delay the process and you may be required to have your brace on for longer.
Keep attending your regular dentist appointments. Your regular dentist will check in areas that your orthodontic dentist may not such as cavities, tooth decay and gum disease.
Braces can be painful, especially when you first have them and after tightening’s. You can manage discomfort by taking medication prior to the pain occurring. A useful tip would be to take some Paracetamol straight after your orthodontic appointments before the pain sets in.
Your braces may rub your gums to start with and this can become uncomfortable. Your orthodontic surgeon will be able to provide you with dental wax. Roll this up between your fingers and place it over areas of discomfort on your brace and this should minimise the pain.
Brace Don’ts
One of the number one don’ts when looking after braces is eating food that will inevitably get stuck in your brace. This can vary from small things such as corn on the cob or eating meat off the bone, which could potentially bend your wires and add time on to your treatment.
Steer clear of too much sugar, eating (or drinking) too much sugar can lead to tooth decay around your brackets and could stain your teeth forever.
Breakages are inevitable when you have a brace however be sure not to disregard any breakages as this could alter the course of your treatment and could make the process longer. Make sure you book an appointment if your brace breaks in order to get it fixed as soon as possible.
If you opt to have white or light coloured elastics on your brace, be mindful of foods that can stain them. Curry and Bolognaise tend to stain bands a yellow/orange colour so steer clear of these if you want to avoid this.
