Metal braces are a tried-and-true orthodontic treatment that has helped countless patients leave crooked, crowded, and spaced-out teeth in the past. Although clear alternatives have maintained their popularity throughout the years, metal wires and brackets are the only solution that can fix complex orthodontic concerns, like severe bite issues and extremely rotated teeth. Since issues like these can take more time to correct, the last thing you want is to fall off-track with your treatment timeline. Keep reading for some must-have tools to keep your oral health and braces in pristine condition to prevent that from happening!
#1. An Interproximal Brush
An interproximal brush is a handy, compact, extremely effective tool designed to dislodge food that is stuck around your brackets and between your wires. Although the handle is similar to a standard toothbrush, the bristle itself is more similar to a bottle or straw cleaner. Its compact design and flexible top allow this must-have item to clean even the braces on your rear teeth with ease!
#2. Braces-Friendly Floss
All too often, patients dismiss flossing as optional. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, brushing alone only cleans about 60% of your tooth’s surface and neglecting to clean between your teeth is one of the biggest culprits of interproximal cavities. Fortunately, you don’t have to tediously string floss between each wire to do the trick – opting for a Waterpik or orthodontic flosser makes the task effortless!
#3. Travel-Sized Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Keeping your teeth and braces clean on-the-go is important. Neglecting to have the right tools on hand allows food particles, plaque, and bacteria to cling to your teeth for hours, increasing your risk of cavities and tooth decay significantly. To prevent that from happening, make sure to keep a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste with you. Even taking a few minutes to complete a simpler version of your at-home dental hygiene routine can make all the difference!
When you have braces, the last thing you want is to derail your timeline. The good news is that the above tools can help you keep your teeth and your braces in pristine condition throughout your treatment!
About the Author
Dr. Tamara L. Jones’ interest in the field of orthodontics began when she was just 12 years old! This passion led her to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Baylor College of Dentistry – Texas A&M Health Science Center. Since then, she has become a Diamond Status Certified Invisalign Provider, been a recipient of the Dr. Kramer Award of Excellence, and maintained an active membership with the American Academy of Orthodontics (just a few of her many accomplishments). If you are interested in learning more about cleaning your braces at home, have a question about your dental insurance, or would like to schedule an appointment, visit her website or give her a call at 972-238-7101.