How to Take Care of Your Adult Orthodontic Braces?
Adult orthodontic braces can be beneficial in treating dental disorders such as an uneven bite that can create jaw problems or gaps between teeth that can damage gum health, allowing adults to maintain healthy teeth for decades to come. However, individuals with braces have to adhere to strict oral hygiene to prevent plaque accumulation.
Adult orthodontic braces can be beneficial in treating dental disorders such as an uneven bite that can create jaw problems or gaps between teeth that can damage gum health, allowing adults to maintain healthy teeth for decades to come. However, individuals with braces have to adhere to strict oral hygiene to prevent plaque accumulation.
Plaque is a bacterial film that builds continually on teeth. While thorough brushing will eliminate plaque, any leftover can harden into tartar, a yellow substance that stains teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. Unfortunately, wearing braces may make plaque and food particles more difficult to remove because they often hide behind the braces. Nevertheless, don’t be discouraged! As a patient with braces, you need to take extra care to ensure that you brush and floss your teeth properly each morning and each night. Here are some suggestions from Dr. Kumra to assist you.
Pencil
Patients can use the eraser end of a pencil to gently bend the wire away from their cheek. Slowly and carefully work your way around the wire, cautious not to push it too far. Attempt to locate a new eraser on a pencil that has not been used previously.
Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic Wax is explicitly formulated to alleviate pain caused by braces appliances rubbing against one another. It is used to form a barrier between the braces wires and the inside of your mouth. As a result, the wax minimizes further damage by breaking the contact between braces and the inside of your mouth. Additionally, this barrier allows additional time for your sores to heal. If you are concerned about how long orthodontic wax should be worn, you should replace it every two days, though you can leave it overnight. You can eat and drink while wearing wax but remove it immediately if any food is trapped inside or the wax becomes soiled. Here at Kumra Orthodontics, we can provide you with an orthodontic wax during your visit. Additionally, you can avail of it at CVS and Walgreens.
Read More: Wax for Braces: How They Work, Purpose and More
Needing an orthodontic appointment?
Visit Kumra Orthodontics Washington, DC or Kumra Orthodontics Stafford, VA, and request an appointment with us!
Nail Clipper
Gently withdraw your cheek from the area and dry the region where the wire is bugging you will be cut. Next, assist yourself by gently cutting the protruding wire. Following that, it is always sensible to apply wax to the region to keep the wire in place and to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible. We understand that this task may be intimidating. However, it is essential to manage a pokey wire as soon as possible to minimize the chance of further injury.
Brushing
When you wear braces, it’s easier to overlook plaque accumulation on your teeth. Brush your teeth after each meal to reduce the likelihood that plaque and food particles may settle for an extended period and cause difficulties. Indeed, many people who adore their pearly whites also floss after meals. Additionally, Dr. Bob Kumra stated that people with braces should not forget to brush over and under the brackets, which is crucial in preventing plaque accumulation.
Dental Floss
When flossing with braces, begin by threading the floss through each space behind the braces’ wire, being careful not to pull on the wire. Once the floss has been threaded through, carefully run it between your teeth. Rep this procedure until all of your teeth are flossed. Here at Kumra Orthodontics, we will provide you with a floss threader to help you take care of your adult orthodontic braces.
Proxy Brushes
Proxy brushes are little toothbrushes with a handle and a cylinder-shaped brush at the head. They come in various sizes, shapes, lengths, and widths. These brushes are useful for those who wear braces because they make it much simpler to reach those difficult-to-reach areas, such as around brackets and beneath wires.
Regular dental checkup
You should anticipate visiting your orthodontist every four to eight weeks during treatment if you currently have braces. Your orthodontist will adjust your braces, tighten or replace the wires as necessary. These checkups are used to monitor the progress of your teeth and determine how much they are moving.
Related: What to Do With Stains from Braces
Find out more about How to Take Care of Adult Orthodontic Braces by visiting Kumra Orthodontics.
You should speak with your local orthodontist and seek their advice whenever you notice a problem. It is essential to maintain your adult orthodontic braces for optimum health properly.
