How to Take Care of Braces at Home

How to Take Care of Braces at Home
Posted on 08/01/2020
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Braces are a right of passage for most pre-teens and teenagers, but they also come with a lot of responsibility. This applies to adult patients with braces, Invisalign, SureSmile, and Acceledent as well. Braces need to be cared for at home and in between orthodontic appointments. If not, you may experience added dental complications and a slower orthodontic journey. Dr. Lauren Windhorst and our orthodontic team at Choice Orthodontics want to ensure that your treatment goes as smoothly and as quickly as possible. Check out our expert tips to care for your braces at home!

Tips & Tricks to Care for Your Braces in St. Joseph & Gallatin, MO

Tips & Tricks to Care for Your Braces in St. Joseph & Gallatin, MO

In order to keep your orthodontic treatment on track, there are certain things you can do at home to care for your braces. Dr. Lauren Windhorst recommends practicing the following tips to keep your braces clean and your teeth healthy:

  • Brush Carefully: Effective oral hygiene is essential to good orthodontic care. Braces can be a little tricky to get used to because small food particles can easily get stuck in between your braces, teeth, and wires. For this reason, it's crucial to brush your teeth at least twice per day. Choice Orthodontics even suggests carrying a toothbrush and toothpaste in your backpack, purse, or briefcase so you can quickly brush your teeth after lunch, even while you’re away from home.
  • Floss is Your Friend: As previously stated, braces make it easy for food particles to get caught in between your teeth and your braces. In these situations, floss is your best friend. It’s important to floss at least once per day with braces to ensure you have removed all food particles and plaque from your teeth and braces. At your next orthodontist appointment, ask our St. Joseph, MO orthodontist about a floss threader to make your flossing routine even easier!
  • Keep Regular Orthodontic Appointments: It’s important to attend all of your orthodontic appointments so that our Choice Orthodontic team can keep track of your orthodontic progress and make changes to your treatment if necessary. We also understand that things happen and an appointment may have to be cancelled. If this does occur, please call our office and reschedule your appointment for the next available time.
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Remember to eat a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables. You should avoid foods that are high in sugar, hard or especially crunchy, and any foods that are sticky. These foods are not only bad for your teeth and your dental care, but they can be quite harmful for your braces and even damage a bracket or a wire.
  • Fix Minor Orthodontic Problems on Your Own: If you do experience any type of minor orthodontic emergency at home, remember there are a number of things you can do to remedy the situation on your own. And, if the situation escalates, Choice Orthodontics is just a call away to assist.

Contact Choice Orthodontics for Braces & Invisalign in St. Joseph & Gallatin Today!

If you have questions or concerns about caring for your braces at home or about your orthodontic treatment in general, please never hesitate to consult Dr. Lauren Windhorst and our orthodontic team. We will be happy to assist you and resolve any issues you may be experiencing. Choice Orthodontics offers braces, Invisalign, SureSmile, and Acceledent. We have something for everyone! Contact our team at 816-279-8300 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful, straight smile!