Investing in braces is a big step toward achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. While our orthodontist in Westchester Miami and the braces themselves handle much of the hard work, your daily care routine plays a vital role in ensuring your treatment is successful. Properly maintaining your braces not only keeps your smile healthy but also guarantees the best results when your braces come off.
The Hidden Risks of Neglecting Your Braces
Braces consist of intricate components such as brackets, bands, wires, springs, and elastics. These parts can trap food particles and create ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive.
- Germs can accumulate in the nooks and crannies of your braces.
- If not cleaned, these bacteria form plaque biofilm, appearing as chalky white patches around your brackets.
- Plaque buildup increases the risk of tooth decay, especially when sugary and acidic foods are involved.
By staying consistent with your oral hygiene routine, you can avoid these issues and keep your braces in excellent condition.
Cleaning Your Braces at Home
Maintaining your braces is simple if you follow the BFF method: Brush, Flush, and Floss.
Brush
- Spend extra time brushing to clean around brackets and wires thoroughly.
- Hold your lips out to access hard-to-reach areas, and brush at different angles.
- Remove elastics or bands before brushing, as they can obstruct cleaning.
Flush
- Use an oral irrigation system or swish water in your mouth after meals to dislodge food particles.
- At-home oral irrigators are excellent tools for clearing debris between wires and teeth.
- If an irrigator isn’t available, swishing water vigorously can still help reduce plaque.
Floss
- Flossing is crucial for removing particles that toothbrushes and irrigators may miss.
- Use dental floss or interdental cleaners to reach under wires and between brackets.
- Floss daily to ensure your braces and teeth remain clean and healthy.
Keep Your Smile on Track
Don’t let plaque or tooth decay overshadow the excitement of having your braces removed. A consistent cleaning routine will protect your oral health and ensure you achieve a confident, radiant smile at the end of your treatment.
If you need assistance or a demonstration of proper cleaning techniques, our orthodontist in Westchester Miami is here to help. Contact Super Smiles Orthodontics today to schedule a follow-up appointment or ask any questions about your braces care. Together, we’ll make sure your journey to a perfect smile is as smooth and successful as possible.