Braces and Oral Hygiene
Grants Pass, OR
 If you recently received braces or are strongly considering getting them, then you may have some questions about their upkeep and how to maintain them. For many people, anything new can be stressful, and especially when it comes to their health, they may try several shortcuts to remedy the inconvenience of having to learn brand new habits. Fortunately, keeping up with your braces can be quite simple, and at Robinson Orthodontics we know how to make it easy for you.
How Braces Work
Whether you have not received them yet, or are running your tongue over the fresh apparatus in your mouth as you read this, it may be difficult to understand what, exactly, the braces are used for and why it is so important to keep them in excellent condition. The intention of braces is to gently guide your teeth into the best position for maximum function. This is usually done for those who may have overbites, underbites, or impaction. It can also be used for minor aesthetic issues, but ultimately, braces are meant to improve your overall quality of life, including speaking and eating.
Your braces are composed of an assortment of brackets, which could be made of metal, porcelain, or ceramic, and are tightened through the use of an archwire and rubber bands. Though it may feel strange to have all of these new elements in your mouth, each part plays an important part in maintaining your optimal dental care and should never be neglected, no matter your opinion of them.
Caring For Your Braces
Though many of us already practice good oral hygiene by brushing after every meal, or at the least, after we wake up and before we go to bed, it becomes even more important to brush at regular intervals once you have braces. Plaque, which is that sticky stuff that gets on your teeth after you eat something, is even more likely to build up with braces because of the new places in which it can hide.
It is recommended you brush both first thing in the morning and last thing at night, and also after every meal to remove particles of food that could cause plaque buildup. Flossing is also important because even with the addition of wires and angles, the food that accumulates or gets stuck can be a bit embarrassing for those who take pride in their appearance.
Be mindful of what you eat, as well, because it can be easy to cause damage to your braces simply by putting the wrong thing in your mouth. Watch out for corn on the cob, hard foods like peanut brittle and carrots, and avoid sticky things such as caramel and gum. If you are careful about what you eat, maintain a regular cleaning schedule, and continue to make regular visits for checkups, your orthodontic treatment plan can yield the superior results you are hoping for.
If you feel you may need braces and would like to learn more about them, or are interested in other ways you can give yourself the best care possible when it comes to dental hygiene, please do not hesitate to call us here at Robinson Orthodontics at (541) 441-8288 to schedule an appointment.
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