How to Care for Your Braces

If you want to wear your braces for the shortest treatment time possible, you'd better know how to take care of them. Taking care of your braces doesn't just benefit your teeth, it benefits your wallet because it will cut down on extra visits to the orthodontist and dentist.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make appointments with your orthodontist every 2 to 6 weeks, based on his assessment of your progress. Delaying your appointments because of other obligations can extend your treatment and also makes it more likely that you may lose a bracket or have a loose wire.

2. Brush and floss after every meal. Use a floss threader to get between the braces and a proxy brush to clear out any food particles. Your orthodontist can provide you with both of these.

3. Buy an electric toothbrush which can spin into the smallest crevices between your braces and teeth and dislodge those small food particles a regular toothbrush might miss. For the best results, brush first with a regular toothbrush and then use an electric toothbrush.

4. Clean removable appliances or sports mouth guards with baking soda and warm water. Use an old toothbrush to brush them gently with the baking soda solution and set them on a paper towel to dry. Keeping your appliances clean ensures that no additional bacteria gets in your mouth and on your braces.

5. Contact your orthodontist as soon as a bracket pops off. If you leave the bracket off for even a day, it can damage other parts of your braces and set your treatment back considerably.

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[funtoknowme]

on 1/6/2009 I agree, this is a great article! The only thing i would add, is flossing is soooo easy now that I use the platypus flosser - i bought it online a platypusco.com. i used to HATE flossing and my gums were miserable, but now i am happily flossing in under 5 minutes and everyday. you should try it, you will be glad you did.