Dental braces are one of the techniques in dentistry used to treat tooth problems such as poor tooth alignment, mismatch, protrusion, or improper bite of the jaws, where the dentist professionally adjusts them to look more beautiful. However, the patient also bears responsibility for certain matters and instructions that must be followed in order to maintain the results that appear during this treatment, and in this article Dr. Mohammad Khaled Nofal, specialist in dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants, explains for us the post-braces-placement instructions.
Post-braces-placement instructions
Caring for braces may seem exhausting at first, but although the matter requires a lot of effort in the beginning, you will soon get used to it.
All you have to do is make some simple adjustments to your usual routine, and you will also need to buy some new supplies, which the orthodontist may recommend.
Below we explain the most important post-braces-placement instructions:
Avoid certain types of foods that may harm the braces
There are some specific foods that may negatively affect the braces and that you should avoid as much as possible, such as sticky foods like caramel and certain types of candy, as these foods may stick to the braces' wires and damage them.
Hard foods too, such as hard candy, nuts, popcorn, and others, have the ability to break the braces, so try to avoid them.
If you want to eat fresh vegetables and fruit, you can cut them into small pieces before eating them.
Be sure to brush your teeth after eating
Food debris may get stuck worse with braces in place, as all the wires and brackets become a home for food particles and bacteria, and the longer these foods remain, the greater the likelihood of plaque buildup, and cavities may even form.
To avoid these problems, always try to brush your teeth gently for at least two minutes at least twice every day, and always use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss your teeth
Teeth should be flossed once a day, especially during the first days after the braces are placed, but be sure to follow the dentist's instructions.
Insert the floss between any group of teeth and move the floss up and down alongside each tooth all the way to the gum before moving on to the next group of teeth.
Using dental floss may help you avoid problems such as tooth decay and bad breath.
Use an interdental brush
It may be difficult for you to floss your teeth with braces in place because the floss may wrap around the wires or brackets, and this leads to damage to the braces.
Instead, a special brush resembling a miswak can be used, as it has small bristles that reach between the teeth and help clean them effectively.
Rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash
Be sure to always rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing your teeth twice a day, for a healthier mouth and smile.
You can also rinse with a solution of warm salt water five or six times a day for 30 seconds each time.
Preparing the warm salt solution involves adding half a teaspoon of table salt to one cup of warm water, as the salt water helps relieve pain and allows sore areas to heal faster.
Use orthodontic wax
Sometimes the brackets or wires may rub against the cheeks and lips and cause sores in them, and to avoid this you can use the wax that the dentist provides.
Take a large piece of wax, roll it into a ball, place it over the brackets, and breathe through your mouth to allow it to dry.
Be sure to visit the dentist
The dentist will set regular appointments for you, and attending the regular appointments is an essential part of the follow-up care.
How long does it take to wear braces?
The duration varies from one person to another based on the problem the person suffers from, but on average it may take about two years.
Can teeth be whitened after the braces are removed?
You may notice that the color of your teeth has changed slightly depending on how well you cared for your teeth during the orthodontic treatment.
But do not worry, we have the best safe and effective devices for teeth whitening and for obtaining a new, brighter-looking smile at the clinic of Dr. Mohammad Nofal, so do not hesitate to consult us.
How can I get rid of pain and discomfort?
You are likely to feel discomfort for a few days after the braces are placed, and you may also experience some pain after the routine tightening procedure.
To relieve the discomfort, you can take mild painkillers such as paracetamol.
When should the dentist be seen?
The dentist should be seen after braces are placed in the following cases:
Pain that does not improve even with taking painkillers.
Damage to the wires or brackets.
Sustaining an injury to the mouth or face.
Bleeding or infection in the gums.
Although many people receive orthodontic treatments, some of them are not aware of the correct procedures to ensure the safety of the braces and the health of their teeth.
We believe that follow-up care procedures for orthodontic appliances are essential for obtaining healthy teeth and a confident smile. If you are looking for effective orthodontic procedures and great results, then the clinic of Dr. Mohammad Nofal is the right choice; please visit us or call us to schedule an appointment for a visit by clicking on the following link.
References:
Orthodontic care – 10 tips for looking after your braces « Evolution Orthodontics | blog.
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InTech, & InTech. (2019, March 26). 5 Tips for Surviving Your First Week with Braces. Overby Orthodontics. https://www.overbyorthodontics.com/braces-survival-tips/
Blades, G. (2022, November 21). Brace Aftercare | 7 Handy Tips | Best care for your braces. The Orthodontic Gallery. https://www.orthodonticgallery.com/brace-aftercare-care-for-your-braces/
Tabakman. (2023, October 31). 8 tips for your first week of braces. Houston Orthodontic Specialists. https://www.houstonortho.com/blog/8-tips-for-first-week-with-braces/
Orthodontics, P. S. (2023b, February 20). Traditional metal braces aftercare tips – Perfect Smiles Orthodontics. Perfect Smiles Orthodontics. https://www.perfectsmilesorthoalexandria.com/metal-braces-aftercare-tips/
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