Your Guide to a Confident Smile Transformation
Congratulations on taking the exciting step towards a straighter, healthier smile with braces! At Cairns Dental Boutique, we’re delighted to be part of your orthodontic journey. To help you achieve the best possible results, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to care for your braces.
Why Braces Care Matters
Proper braces care is essential for several reasons:
- Keeps Your Teeth and Gums Healthy: Braces can trap food particles and make it trickier to clean your teeth effectively. Good oral hygiene prevents plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
- Minimises Discomfort: Proper care can reduce irritation and discomfort often associated with braces.
- Ensures Treatment Success: Taking good care of your braces helps ensure your treatment stays on track and you achieve your desired results.
Brushing with Braces: A Step-by-Step Guide
Brushing with braces requires a bit more attention to detail. Here’s how to do it right:
- Remove Elastics and Removable Parts: Take out any elastics, bands, or removable parts of your braces (brushing techniques as advised by your orthodontist)
- Angle Your Brush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. Using an electric brush is ideal.
- Brush Each Tooth Individually: Gently brush each tooth at the gum line and below the brackets. Use small, circular motions.
- Don’t Forget the Brackets: Brush on top of and around each bracket to remove any trapped food particles.
- Clean the Inside Surfaces: Brush the inside surfaces of your teeth as you normally would.
- Brush Your Tongue: Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining debris.
Flossing with Braces: The Right Technique
Flossing with braces can be a bit challenging, but it’s crucial for removing plaque and food particles between your teeth. Here’s how:
- Use a Floss Threader: A floss threader helps you get the floss under the wires of your braces. Definitely consider alternative methods of flossing such as a water flosser or interdental toothbrushes.
- Gently Thread the Floss: Carefully thread the floss between your teeth.
- Curve the Floss: Curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape, sliding it up and down along the side of each tooth.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your mouth with water after flossing.
Dietary Do’s and Don’ts
Certain foods can damage your braces or get stuck, causing discomfort and potentially delaying your treatment. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Foods to Avoid:
- Hard and Crunchy Foods: Popcorn, hard candies, nuts, and ice can break brackets and wires.
- Sticky Foods: Chewing gum, caramel, and toffee can stick to your braces and be difficult to remove.
- Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugary treats increase your risk of cavities, especially with braces.
Foods to Enjoy:
- Soft Fruits and Vegetables: Bananas, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and yogurt are all good choices.
- Dairy Products: Cheese, milk, and yogurt are rich in calcium, which strengthens teeth.
- Lean Protein: Chicken, fish, and beans are good sources of protein.
Regular Checkups and Professional Cleanings
Regular visits to your Cairns dentist are crucial during your orthodontic treatment. We’ll monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments to your braces, and provide professional cleanings to remove any stubborn plaque or tartar buildup.
Emergency Care
Accidents happen! If a bracket or wire breaks or comes loose, contact Cairns Dental Boutique immediately to schedule an appointment. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself.
Your Smile Journey with Cairns Dental Boutique
We’re committed to providing you with the best possible orthodontic care and support throughout your braces journey. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Have questions about braces care?
Contact Cairns Dental Boutique today! We’re here to support you on your journey to a straighter, healthier smile.
