Traditional braces have been used to straighten out crooked teeth for years, making them a reliable orthodontic option. However, “reliable” doesn’t always equate to “simple maintenance”! If you wish there was a way you could make your orthodontic care more easy-breezy, keep reading. There are plenty of dental accessories that can help!
Interdental Brushes
Many patients consider getting at food particles stuck behind their wires to be the trickiest part of their oral hygiene. Interdental brushes are kind of like a normal toothbrush, except the tip doesn’t have that plastic backing. Instead, it’s a small, 360-degree bristle head capable of smoothly sliding behind wires to dislodge unwanted debris.
Floss Threaders or Water Flossers
Interdental brushes are for cleaning behind your wires, and floss is for cleaning between your teeth. Unfortunately, this is another task made complicated by metal wiring. Classic thread is difficult to maneuver; a dental threader will save you so much time and effort by giving you a better grip. Or, if you’re willing to invest and upgrade, you can simply flush out icky stickies with a water flosser.
High-Tech Electronic Brush Heads
Electronic toothbrushes have come a long way. Nowadays, you can stop by your local grocery store for a unique brush head that’s specifically designed for metal orthodontics. You could simplify your hygiene routine with the push of a button!
Fluoride Toothpaste
Now, fluoride won’t do anything special for your braces, per se. But it will give your teeth a protective boost. Since your brackets and wires make oral hygiene a bit trickier than usual, it’s a good idea to fortify your teeth’s natural defenses, just in case.
Mouthwash or Salt Packets
A water flosser isn’t the only liquid product on this list. Mouthwashes are good for rinsing, which can help dislodge loose debris for easier brushing. If you’re not a fan of mouthwash, you can mix salt into a cup of water and rinse with that. Salt slows down bacteria growth and promotes healing for sore oral tissue.
Taking care of your braces doesn’t have to be a huge inconvenience. With the right tools, you can go through the motions more efficiently, which means cleaner teeth, better oral health, and ultimately, a happier you! For even more useful tips and accessories, don’t hesitate to call your orthodontist. They can give you advice specifically tailored to your unique preferences and needs.
About the Author
Dr. Davis Witt prefers to take the stress out of the orthodontic process. He has a straightforward and friendly approach that patients find comforting, and as a highly experienced and certified orthodontist, you can relax knowing he’ll provide quality treatment. If you need help taking care of your traditional braces or just want to simplify your oral hygiene routine, Dr. Witt would be happy to help! To contact his office in Holden, call 508-829-7650.
