Taking Care of Teeth During Orthodontics Treatments

Oral hygiene is vital when you are straightening your teeth with orthodontics. Oral appliances used to straighten teeth like braces and clear aligners can get in the way of oral hygiene. These appliances, braces in particular, can also increase your risk of oral issues like tooth decay.

Dental hygiene while using orthodontics

The oral appliances used to straighten teeth can increase a person’s risks of tooth decay, and that can affect the way that a person’s teeth look by the time their teeth have been straightened. Non-removable orthodontics, like braces, tend to be the most challenging to deal with because food particles can get stuck under them and they can get in the way of cleaning the mouth.

Most people would rather avoid having to deal with another set of issues after their teeth straightening treatment, so let us take a detailed look at how to keep teeth clean during orthodontic treatments, depending on the type of appliance being used.

1. Ceramic/metal braces

Metal braces have been around for over 100 years, and they are still one of the most versatile appliances used to straighten teeth. These devices comprise metal brackets and wires that connect the brackets. The tighter these wires are, the more force the appliance puts on the wearer’s teeth. Ceramic braces are a more aesthetically pleasing variant of metal braces, with tooth-colored brackets and transparent wires instead of metal ones.

These devices being non-removable once an orthodontist attaches them makes it more challenging to practice good oral hygiene. Food particles tend to accumulate around the brackets and wires, and oral bacteria can convert the debris to acids that damage teeth structures. Getting these particles off the appliances can be a challenge because they cover teeth surfaces, preventing the wearer from properly cleaning them. Simple things that people who wear braces can do to keep their teeth clean during their treatment include the following.

Use products recommended by oral health professionals: Using the proper toothpaste, type of dental floss, and mouthwash goes a long way when it comes to keeping teeth with braces clean. Certain oral hygiene products contain abrasive chemicals that can damage the metallic components of braces. People with braces should also ensure that the floss they use is thin enough to slide under their braces.

Brush each tooth: Spending extra time to ensure that each tooth has been thoroughly cleaned helps protect against tooth decay when wearing braces. It is recommended to brush after meals to remove food particles before they are converted into mouth-damaging acids.

Consider using a water flosser: Flossing can be challenging when teeth are covered with braces. Consider using a water pick to make things easier.

2. Clear aligners

Clear aligners are a more convenient option over braces, but these appliances also increase the wearer’s risk of tooth decay. The aligners prevent saliva from cleaning teeth as it normally does, giving acids made by oral bacteria more time to damage teeth. People who wear aligners should make sure their mouths are clean before inserting their mouth tray.