For millions of kids and adults, braces are a necessary step in getting an even, straighter smile. While invisible aligners work for some, others may still require old-fashioned metal or porcelain bracket aligners. Though effective, wire and bracket braces can be harder to clean. But fear not! Here are some tips for keeping those braces clean, no matter your age or style of braces.
For Wire and Bracket Braces:
If you have wire and bracket braces, keeping them clean after meals is important because food can get stuck in the brackets. This can not only cause cavities and bad breath, but it can also look funny too, especially if you have a big piece of broccoli caught in your wires. That’s why flossing is so important. Flossing with a floss threader helps get between teeth but may not be as effective at cleaning out inside the brackets, so we recommend using both string floss and a water flosser, which uses water pressure to rinse away plaque and food debris from between the teeth and from between the brackets.
Brushing with braces is very important too because white spots can form on the teeth around the edges of your brackets if you aren’t diligent with your brushing. Many people find it easier to use an electric toothbrush with braces, such as a sonic toothbrush. This will break up the plaque without damaging the brackets or bending the wires.
As for how often you should brush and floss, we recommend you brush after each meal to help keep brackets looking clean and clear, and floss at least once a day, but preferably after each meal as well. After all, you’ll want that smile to be as white and sparkly as possible when those braces come off!
For Clear Aligners
With clear aligners, it’s easier to care for your teeth because you can just pop your aligner off when you need to clean your teeth. The problem lies when you don’t clean your teeth after eating and put your aligner back on. This can trap plaque and bacteria and even particles of food up against your teeth, preventing your saliva from washing them away. That’s why it’s super important for you to brush after every meal, even when you wear clear aligners. Also, be sure to floss at least once a day, preferably at bedtime, but more frequently if you can.
If you have braces and need help or more tips for caring for them, speak to Dr. Abelar. If you don’t have braces but are interested in learning more about them, call Dr. Abelar’s office and schedule a consultation today!
