How To Care For Your Smile Between Orthodontic Visits?

Going through orthodontic treatment to get a straighter smile entails more than regular appointments with your orthodontist. The time between consultations is equally essential for preserving dental health and ensuring that your orthodontic care is effective. This article reviews vital recommendations for caring for your smile between orthodontic care appointments, supporting a healthy, beautiful outcome.

How To Care For Your Smile Between Orthodontic Care Visits?

1. Commit to Perfect Oral Hygiene:

Brushing and Flossing: Maintain a strict oral hygiene schedule by brushing your teeth after each meal and before bed. To clean between wires and brackets, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and consider investing in interdental brushes or floss threaders.
Fluoride Toothpaste: Use fluoride toothpaste to build your enamel and prevent cavities. Brush for at least two minutes to completely clean all surfaces of your teeth.

2. Select the Appropriate Tools:

Orthodontic-Friendly Instruments: Invest in orthodontic products like floss threaders, interdental brushes, and dental wax. These tools can help you clean hard-to-reach areas and ease any discomfort caused by braces.

3. Maintain a Healthy Diet:

Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Avoid sticky and hard foods that can damage braces or become stuck in wires. Choose braces-friendly alternatives to avoid difficulties and maintain the integrity of your orthodontic care appliances.

Limit Sugary Snacks: Limit your intake of sugary snacks and beverages to help avoid plaque accumulation and cavities. If you do indulge in treats/desserts, follow up with complete oral hygiene.

4. Maintain Hydration and Rinse:

Drink plenty of water to moisten your mouth and rinse away food particles. Water is perfect for people who have braces since it prevents dry mouth and enhances general oral health.
If brushing isn’t possible right after a meal, rinse your mouth with water to eliminate debris and neutralize acidity.

5. Visit Your Dentist regularly:

Cleanings regularly: Maintain your monthly dental check-ups and cleanings, even while undergoing orthodontic care treatment. Professional cleanings help to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic journey.

6. Mouthguards:

Protect your braces during physical activities. If you participate in sports or activities that put your mouth in danger of damage, wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth. Individuals with orthodontic appliances can get custom-fitted mouthguards.

7. Handle Discomfort Promptly:

Wax for the teeth: If your braces or wires cause irritation or pain, place dental wax between the braces and the soft tissues of your mouth.

Keep orthodontic wax on hand to treat any harsh edges or protruding wires. A modest amount of wax applied to the affected area can provide temporary relief until you can visit your orthodontist.

8. Keep an Eye on Your Bite:

Changes in Bite: Be aware of changes in your bite or tooth alignment between orthodontic care visits. If you experience any substantial adjustments or discomfort, contact your orthodontist immediately.

9. Maintaining Contact with Your Orthodontist:

Promptly report any problems: If you have damaged brackets, loose wires, or any other problems with your orthodontic appliances, contact your orthodontist immediately. Addressing issues when they arise helps to keep your treatment as effective as possible.

10. Obey Orthodontic Instructions:

Appliances and Rubber Bands: Use them as instructed if your orthodontist recommends rubber bands or other orthodontic appliances. Following these recommendations will help your treatment succeed.

Conclusion

Taking care of your smile between orthodontic appointments is critical to getting the desired outcomes and maintaining excellent oral health. You contribute to the success of your orthodontic care journey by committing to impeccable oral hygiene, addressing discomfort promptly, monitoring your bite, communicating with your orthodontist, and adhering to orthodontic instructions.
A combination of hard work, proactive maintenance, and open communication with your orthodontist will help you attain a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime.