Can I Brush My Teeth On The First Day Of Braces?

In today’s day and age, aesthetic features are increasingly becoming more important to people. Individuals from all walks wish to look better and achieve that perfect smile. In such cases, misaligned teeth can affect one’s self-esteem and confidence.

People worldwide have been using braces to correct the misalignment of their teeth. If you are also looking for braces near you, let us tell you a little about them and their aftercare.

Braces

Braces are orthodontic appliances used to align teeth and fix bite issues. They comprise brackets attached to the teeth with wires and rubber bands connecting them. Individuals of every age continue to like getting braces treatment, which has been in use for many years. In this post, we’ll go through the many kinds of braces, their applications, and how to take care of them.

Types Of Braces

1. Metal braces: They are the conventional braces that most people are accustomed to. They are made of wires strung through metal brackets, bonded to the teeth with dental cement. They are the least expensive and most efficient type of braces.
2. Ceramic braces resemble metal braces but are constructed of transparent or tooth-coloured materials and blend in with the teeth. Metal braces are more conspicuous, although ceramic braces are less obvious and can be more delicate.
3. Lingual braces: Similar to metal braces, they are placed on the back of the teeth, where they are unnoticeable from the front. Lingual braces might be more expensive and more challenging to clean than conventional braces.
4. Invisalign: A more recent form of orthodontic care that straightens teeth using clear plastic aligners. Being removable and almost undetectable, Invisalign is a preferred option for adults. However, Invisalign can be more expensive and inappropriate for complicated instances than traditional braces.

Applications Of Braces

Braces are used to correct a variety of dental problems, including:

1. Crooked teeth: Braces can straighten and improve the aesthetics of crooked teeth by moving them into their right positions.
2. Overbite or Underbite: When the top and bottom teeth don’t fit together properly, bite issues like overbites and underbites can be fixed with braces.

3. Crowded teeth: Braces can create room between crowded teeth, lowering the possibility of gum disease and making it easier to clean.
4. Jaw Problems: Braces can sometimes be used to treat jaw issues, such as an overdeveloped or undeveloped jaw.

Caring After The Teeth Braces Procedure

Congratulations on getting your braces! You’ve already taken the first action toward straightening and improving your smile. You must properly care for your braces now after you have received them from our St. Albert dentist. While getting the braces is painless, the adjustment time can be rough. 

Since your mouth is not used to having so much metal or plastic, your first few days or weeks might be sore and uncomfortable. You might also notice some sores on your gums or inner lips. All these symptoms will subside after a few weeks as you get used to wearing braces.

Tips For Caring For Your Braces

Here are some tips to help you care for your newly fitted braces:

1. Use orthodontic wax
2. Wear a mouth guard while engaging in physical activities
3. Get regular checkups at our dentist
4. Brush and floss your teeth regularly
5. Avoid hard foods initially.

The most important tip in caring for your braces is patience! Braces can take a few weeks to get used to. It is essential to stay calm and understand that this is a time taking process.

Brushing After Getting Your Braces

So, can you brush your teeth the first day after getting your braces? YES, YOU CAN! Many assume they cannot brush their teeth properly after getting braces. But that is not the case. On the contrary, practicing dental hygiene is even more crucial as plaque can accumulate more easily and lead to tartar or gingivitis.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums may be more difficult if you have braces since they might trap bacteria and food particles. You can follow the given tips to make sure you maintain optimal oral hygiene:

1. Brush after every meal: Every meal should be followed by brushing to eliminate plaque and food particles that could get stuck in your braces. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to clean your teeth and braces thoroughly. Be sure to clean all sides of your teeth and braces as you brush in a circular motion.

2. Use a proxy brush:  The wires and brackets of your braces can be cleaned in between with a small, cone-shaped brush called a proxy brush. Remove any food or debris with a proxy brush to clean over each bracket and wire.
3. Please pay attention to the gumline: When brushing your teeth while wearing braces, paying special attention is crucial. Carefully brush along the gumline to remove plaque or germs that could lead to gum disease.
4. Brush for at least two minutes: Making sure you thoroughly clean your teeth and braces by brushing for at least 2 minutes will benefit you. Set a timer or use a stopwatch to ensure you brush for two minutes.
5. Rinsing properly: After brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any leftover toothpaste or debris. Spit out the water after swishing it around your mouth for at least 30 seconds.

Braces in St. Albert

Looking to get your braces at our dentist near you? Dentus Family Dental is the place to be! We are open Monday through Saturday so you and your family can get the professional and comfortable oral healthcare you deserve!