Braces are dental appliances worn to help correct the alignment of our teeth and jaws, which can offer better health — and a long-lasting smile that can last a lifetime.
However, braces come with a greater opportunity for plaque build-up in and around the spaces and our teeth and gums.
This makes it important to take special care when practising oral hygiene as well as cleaning our braces regularly.
It is important not only to practice proper oral hygiene but also to practice careful braces hygiene while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances.
Because orthodontic appliances create areas for plaque build-up and bacteria, cleaning them properly can help prevent any onset of periodontal disease and tooth decay and keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
When you wear braces, your Glen Waverley dentist may provide or recommend a product that will help you clean your braces. Make sure to use them as instructed.
This may take a little practice, but it will become a quick-and-easy daily habit and part of your oral hygiene routine.
Do not forget, brushing your braces is not enough to keep them totally clean, and they will require special cleaning.
If you wear removable orthodontic appliances, make sure to remove and clean them with toothbrush and water every night before sleeping.
When you are installed with braces, your Glen Waverley dentist will most likely recommend you take care of them by considering your dietary choices.
There are specific foods that may cause damage to your braces and make it necessary to go back to the clinic for fixing or further treatment.
Here are a few tips to avoid damage to your braces while eating and drinking:
Your dental braces are removed and the teeth are cleaned to remove any remaining cement. The teeth need to be held in position while the gum tissue and bone settle. This process is called retention. At this stage, you will need to wear retainers, an appliance that holds the teeth and can be either fixed or removable.
Impressions may be taken depending on the type of retainers and they will be made at the dental laboratory. After a week, you will return to the dental office to get your retainers.
It may seem overwhelming, but you should be able to adapt to your braces and make it a habit of looking after them and your oral health.
Braces don’t stay on forever, but their effect on your dental health will be around for a long time once they are removed.
Take care of your braces as how you take care of your own teeth. Remember that they do you a lot of favour in improving your smile.
If you want to learn more about dental braces and how to take care of them in Glen Waverley, please call us or book your appointment online.
Call us on (03) 9887 8787 or visit us at 230 Springvale Road in Glen Waverley.
Read some of the many 5-star reviews we’ve received
from happy patients in Melbourne
