Dental Care & Your Role in Optimizing Results
Dental care involves self-care, which doesn’t need to be dull or repetitive. The experience of taking care of your teeth can be an enjoyable one. Although a mouth full of appliances may not be the best feeling in the world. We pride ourselves on the fact that you are wearing the most comfortable/smallest braces available today. Be happy and smile, because your braces will, fortunately, give you the best smile you’ve ever had! Please read the following information carefully. The quality of your dental self-care during orthodontic treatment and progression depends on not only our work but also on your willing active participation.
Eating with Braces
Eating with braces can feel awkward initially, however, most people will quickly adapt to eating with their respective appliances. Adjusting your diet by staying away from hard and sticky foods ( which can bend wires, pull cement loose, or break small brackets and tubes) will help limit wear and tear on your appliances. Limiting the intake of sugary foods and drinks will decrease the attraction of decay-causing bacteria. If you do eat sweets, brush your teeth immediately after; if that’s not practical or possible, rinse your mouth with clear water. For kids who need a little extra convincing click here!
Routine Dental Care
Caring for your teeth with braces requires a little extra effort. In addition to regular brushing your teeth after you eat, you will have to use the special proxy brush that we provide to clean beneath your archwires and between your brackets. The special threading tool will help get dental floss underneath the wire between your teeth. If you ever need reminding on how to use these tools, simply ask one of our orthodontic assistants for a refresher course. We’d be more than happy to show you how to use a proxy brush.
Poor hygiene can lead to gum disease and tooth decay- both of which cannot be present during orthodontic treatment. Within each visit, we will examine your dental hygiene and make any needed suggestions for improvement. It is important to understand that the responsibility for maintaining a healthy mouth belongs to you. routine dental exams and cleaning are especially important during orthodontic treatment. Please be sure to schedule a dental visit at least twice a year for a checkup. Those checkups may include direction from your dentist, sometimes regarding the implementation of a special cleaning process to remove any buildup around your braces.
Orthodontics & Sports
If you are involved in contact sports, we recommend that you wear an orthodontic mouthguard that fits over your braces. Ask us for details.
Contact your orthodontic experts, Robinson + Ries Today!