How to Take Care of Oral Hygiene with Braces?

What Are Braces?

They are dental devices that correct misaligned teeth or jaws. Braces are typically made of metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands that work together to apply gentle and controlled pressure to teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. This process takes time, usually between 6 and 24 months. Although traditional braces commonly feature metal, some brackets usually feature a ceramic or clear material. Either way, the brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth using a special dental adhesive. The wires are then threaded through the brackets and adjusted periodically by an orthodontist to move the teeth into place gradually.

When Do You Get Braces?

Anyone can benefit from orthodontic braces regardless of age or gender. However, many dentists in Calgary, AB, will recommend beginning orthodontic treatments between ages 10 and 14. This period guarantees better and quicker results with braces. Braces can correct a variety of dental issues, usually worn for a period of 1 to 3 years. It depends on the severity of the problem and your age and oral health. These oral devices are useful in the following cases:

1. Crooked teeth
2. An overcrowded mouth – is when you have seemingly more or bigger teeth than the space in your jawbone.
3. Overbite or underbite – an overbite occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth, while an underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude in front of the upper teeth.
4. A crossbite – occurs when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. It causes uneven wear on the teeth and leads to jaw problems.
5. Gaps between teeth
6. Misplaced midline

​Do Braces Improve Oral Hygiene?

Yes. After your orthodontic treatment at Willow Park Dental, you will enjoy better oral hygiene. It can be quite hard to maintain a clean mouth when you have crowded teeth. After your treatment, your teeth will be straight enough to clean all teeth without struggle. However, during your orthodontic treatment, you need the constant intervention of a dental hygienist in Calgary, AB, to keep your mouth clean. The reason is that when you wear braces, it is difficult to keep all your teeth free from plaque and tartar buildup. Food particles can easily get trapped in the brackets and wires, leading to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Therefore, you should liaise with your dentist in Calgary, AB, about ways to keep your mouth clean with braces.​

What Can I Use To Clean My Mouth With Braces?

Do not be self-reliant when keeping a clean mouth with braces. Instead, get close to an oral hygienist near you for tools and techniques that you can use to clean your mouth with braces. Some include:

1. Orthodontic toothbrush – features soft bristles and a small head that can easily maneuver around your braces. When brushing, angle the brush towards the gum line and use circular motions to clean the teeth and brackets.
2. Interdental brushes – are small brushes that can reach between teeth and metal brackets. They are useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
3. Floss threaders – are plastic tools that allow you to thread dental floss under the wires of your braces. Once the floss is in place, you can use it to clean between your teeth as you normally would with traditional floss.
4. Water flossers – are devices that employ a stream of water to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and around your braces. They are an ideal alternative to traditional dental floss.
5. Mouthwash – orthodontists recommend a fluoride mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

​Schedule an Appointment with Our Dentist in Calgary, AB

Do you often wonder what happens when you schedule an orthodontic appointment with a dentist near you? Usually, the initial step entails a comprehensive dental exam. The exam allows the dentist to learn more about your medical history while physically examining your oral cavity. Only then will your dentist determine whether you need orthodontic treatment, including the specific oral appliance ideal for your transformation.