How to Care for Your Metal Braces

When getting your new braces you will want to take extra care to keep the braces intact and your teeth in good health

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• floss threader
• proxy brush
• waterpik
• electric toothbrush
• fluoride mouth rinse

1. Flossing can be difficult when you have traditional stainless steel or gold plated braces. The wire can get in your way and it can be hard to get the floss where it needs to go. Follow the suggestions to get great results and ensure the health of your teeth.

2. 
   Floss Threader

   Floss threaders are similar to a needle. The plastic device will enable you to get the floss under the wire and in between your teeth. Place the floss in the eye of the threader and then insert the plastic needle under the wire and between the teeth. You can then floss as you normally would, repeating the steps for each tooth.

3. 
   Proxy Brush

   Proxy brushes are often called trees by patients and dentist. The brush looks similar to a christmas tree. The bristle help assist with remove food particles under the wire and between the teeth.

4. 

   Another way to clean between the teeth is to use a waterpik. The jet of water will loosen and remove the food helping keep your teeth in good health.

5. 

   Brush carefully around each bracket. This should be done after each meal or snack to remove any plaque that may build up and lead to tooth decay. Using an electric toothbrush can help.

6. 

   You will also want to use a fluoride mouth rinse to help strengthen the enamel of your teeth and prevent tooth decay

Tips & Warnings

• avoid sticky foods that may be difficult to remove such as; caramel and taffee
• cut up hard foods like apples and carrots so you don't break off your brackets

Resources

• Getting your Braces Off
• How Much Do Braces Cost?