Your new braces are your path to a happier, healthier smile. Our team at Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics knows that the first day you get your braces put on, you’re already dreaming of the day they come off. We can’t wait for that day either! However, until you get the go-ahead from Dr. Pedersen that your smile is ready to gleam without the brackets and wires, there is a lot of work to do.
Your new job is to take care of your braces between appointments, requiring a few adjustments to your daily routine. Learning to brush your teeth properly with braces is essential to getting that picture-perfect smile when your braces come off. If you’re looking for the ultimate guide on brushing your teeth with braces, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get going!
Take your time
There is no denying that having braces takes time and effort. It was tricky enough to get to the dentist-recommended two-minute mark without braces, and the added obstacles of brackets and wires being in the way can make you want to rush and skip necessary steps.
However, now it is more important than ever to take your time when brushing during treatment with Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics to ensure you get the best results in the long run. Try using an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer that can keep you accountable while giving you an extra hand at the actual cleaning.
Get to know your home care kit!
When Dr. Pedersen first applies your braces, he won’t send you home empty-handed! That first day with your new set of wires, we’ll give you a home care kit filled with tools that will help you take care of your teeth from that day forward. This kit includes a floss threader, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a proxabrush. Each tool plays a unique role in your oral health to clean those hard-to-reach places and be sure you’ll have a pearly white smile in no time.
Floss Threader – like a needle, this tool helps you maneuver around the wires in your mouth to floss between your teeth without a hitch.
Toothbrush – our team recommends a soft-bristled toothbrush to capably clean your teeth without harming the brackets. The soft bristles are better able to reach down between each bracket, making it easier to clean these tough-to-reach spaces.
Proxabrush – this tool looks almost like a pipe cleaner, and it works practically the same! The Proxabrush allows you to clean the spaces between brackets or wires that your toothbrush just can’t reach.
Not only does this kit help give you a headstart toward caring for your teeth with braces, but it also teaches you which tools you’ll need throughout the time you’ll be wearing them so you can replace them as needed. If you have any questions about the contents of your home care kit, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Pedersen – our team always has your back!
Rinse your mouth thoroughly
Get started by gargling warm water and spitting it into the sink before brushing to remove any loose food particles gathered under and around the brackets. You may need to do this a few times if you notice a lot of debris. Rinse as many times as necessary until the water you spit is clear. Once you’ve gotten rid of all the debris, you can brush your teeth.
Learn how to brush your brackets
Knowing what to do when it comes to cleaning the brackets and wires of your braces can be overwhelming if you don’t take some time to prepare. For the most part, it is the same process as brushing your teeth without braces, back and forth. But, with brackets, you will need to adjust your brush placement to get a good angle for effective cleaning.
Brushing down from the top of the bracket, up from the bottom, and at a circular angle around them will help get those hard-to-reach places. Be sure not to apply too much pressure to damage the wires or brackets themselves. If you use an electric toothbrush, dial back the intensity or even opt for a standard brush as you get to the pressure needed to clean your teeth with braces properly.
Don’t forget your gums!
Once we put your braces on in our York office, you may experience mild gum sensitivity or inflammation, but this will subside quickly. Make sure you brush your gums to get the plaque and debris that builds up there.
Floss twice a day
While flossing is one of the most beneficial components of oral health, it is often the step most people skip, especially those who have braces, making the challenge harder. You should never miss this step because debris, plaque, and bacteria can become lodged between teeth and brackets.
There are also disposable flossing sticks that you can use in a pinch to get to hard-to-reach places where debris lodges itself. Dr. Pedersen may also give you a tool, like an interdental proxabrush from your home care kit, to help make this process easier.
Choose Dr. Pedersen for Your Orthodontic Needs
At Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics, we are dedicated to creating the beautiful smile you deserve. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Pedersen at our York office today! If you’re ready to get started on your smile success journey, we’re ready to help you begin.