BRACES

Apart from a better smile and bite, orthodontic treatment can also improve your ability to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Crooked teeth can trap food particles and plaque, increasing the chance for tooth decay and gum disease.

Have a look in the mirror at your new braces. As you will see, the brackets and wires have many nooks and crannies for food particles and plaque to become trapped in. When cleaning your mouth, you should pay special attention not only to your teeth and gums, but also to the brackets and wires.

Permanent damage to tooth enamel can occur if the teeth and brackets are not kept clean. Areas on the enamel surface will begin to decalcify leaving unsightly white marks. You may also develop gingivitis (gum disease) which is inflamed, bleeding gums.

How do I brush my teeth while wearing braces?

Here are some simple steps for keeping your teeth and braces in great shape:

	If your orthodontist has fitted you with elastics, remove them before brushing.
	Using a fluoride toothpaste and a small soft toothbrush, place your brush at an angle of 45 degrees against the gums.
	Brush the gums. Move the brush gently along the gumline using a circular motion. It is important to brush your gums as well as your teeth. Spend about 10 seconds on each tooth before moving onto the next tooth.
	Brush the braces. Press your toothbrush firmly enough so that the bristles spread into the gaps between the wire and the tooth. Brush in and around all of the brackets and wires of your braces. Ensure that you brush under the wires.
	Brush the inside surface of your teeth. Do this using a gently jiggling motion and systematically move your toothbrush around your mouth, brushing both the upper and lower teeth.
	For the chewing surfaces, use a firm back and forth motion.
	Finally, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Then closely inspect your teeth and braces in the mirror to check that they are clean and shiny.
	Don't forget to replace your elastics.

Can I still floss with braces?

You can still floss with braces to remove food and plaque from the spaces between your teeth. Specially designed flosses are available that are ideal for braces.

How do I avoid damaging my braces?

The best way to avoid damaging your braces are:

	Avoid hard foods. Foods such as nuts, popcorn and ice should be avoided as they can loosen, break and bend wires and bands. Foods such as apples and carrots should be chopped up into small pieces before eating to help reduce stress on your braces.
	Avoid sticky foods. No bubble gum gum, caramels, toffees, muesli or fruit bars.
	Avoid sweets such as chocolate, lollies and sweet biscuits.
	Habits such as nail biting, unnatural tongue thrusting, pencil chewing and nervous picking at your wires can also break braces. Be aware of these habits and make an effort to stop them.

Remember that damaged braces mean extra appointments, inconvenience and extended treatment time. If you do break your braces, be sure to make an appointment immediately. Broken braces will not correct your teeth.

Should I still visit my dentist while I'm wearing my braces?

It is important to visit your general dentist for regular checkups and routine cleans while you are wearing your braces.

By practicing good oral hygiene, watching your diet and following the advice of your dentist, you can be assured that your orthodontic treatment will be as successful as possible. And once your braces are off, you can look forward to showing off your new smile!

Source: Colgate Oral Care Brochure