Before you get braces, you might be wondering what kind of care your teeth will need to keep them cavity free and clean during your stint with braces. While you have braces on, you might be tempted to think that they will cover any potential decay or cavities, and that’s just the issue. They DO hide tooth decay which makes it all the more difficult to keep your teeth clean.

Once your braces are removed you might be unpleasantly surprised to find that your teeth don’t look as shiny and clean as you hoped they would. What’s worse is that you might find out you have cavities and vulnerable spots in those hard to reach places that your braces hid the last year and a half or so.

Wires And Brackets Create Extra Obstacles For Brushing

Braces work to straighten your teeth by using brackets and wires to gently pull your teeth into their ideal positions. You have to work harder to brush around the brackets and wires, which can take some time to get used to when you first have your braces on. It’s especially important to make sure you spend at least two minutes thoroughly and gently brushing around your teeth, making sure to carefully brush around your brackets and wires. You might also want to use a Christmas tree brush to push out food particles that have gotten stuck between your wires to help keep your teeth clean and decay free. Braces trap bacteria and food particles to your teeth, causing plaque and tooth decay to occur more frequently, which makes it all the more necessary to be very thorough when brushing and cleaning your teeth.

Practice Good Dental Hygiene Habits Specific To Braces

The best way to protect your teeth while wearing braces is to practice good dental hygiene that will set you up for clean, stain-free teeth post braces. By taking a few extra minutes daily to make sure you are giving your teeth the care they need, you will be setting yourself up for a beautiful, new smile after your braces come off. Some of the best habits you can incorporate into your daily routine are:

  • Brushing after meals and snacks
  • Making time to floss daily
  • Using an anti-cavity mouthwash
  • Avoiding sticky or chewy foods
  • Being consistent in your habits

Following these guidelines everyday might seem cumbersome to begin with, but at the end of your time wearing braces, you will thank yourself for the diligence you showed to good dental hygiene habits!

How Common Are Cavities After Braces?

Easier Cleaning With Invisalign

If you are concerned about keeping your teeth clean and cavity-free while having traditional braces, Invisalign may be a better solution for you. Traditional braces require more time and effort to take care of then Invisalign, and with Invisalign, you don’t need to worry about whether the food you’re eating will get stuck between brackets and wires.

Invisalign is a more manageable option for attaining straight teeth while not having to change up your routine much at all. Rather than extra flossing, brushing, or poking food out of your wires, Invisalign treatment just requires that you remove your Invisalign retainers prior to eating or drinking and replacing them after you’ve finished. Rinse your Invisalign in warm water, brush with a gentle brush and replace!

Get Hygiene Tips With Your Orthodontic Treatment Plan At Ahava Ortho

Whether you decide to go the route of traditional braces or Invisalign, with Avaha Orthodontics, you’ll have help every step of the way. Our team is full of caring, experienced professionals whose main goal is to give you the smile of your dreams while supporting you in all things orthodontic health. When you are treated by Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth you’ll have all the support you need. Give us a call today at 817-926-9777 to schedule your consultation appointment!