Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Braces or Aligners

At Refined Orthodontics in Midland, TX, we understand that maintaining proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is essential to achieving the smile you deserve. Whether you’re using traditional braces or Invisalign aligners, Dr. Bonolo Blessed Odirile and our team are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you keep your teeth clean and healthy throughout your treatment.

How Do You Take Care of Your Teeth with Braces?

Taking care of your teeth while wearing braces may seem challenging, but with the right habits, it’s simple. Here are our best practices:

• Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush after every meal. Pay extra attention to your brackets and wires, as food particles can easily get stuck, leading to plaque buildup.
• Flossing: Floss daily with tools such as floss threaders or interdental brushes. These help clean those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth and braces.
• Rinsing: Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to rinse your mouth daily. This helps kill bacteria that brushing and flossing may miss, keeping your gums and teeth healthy.

Regular care will not only keep your mouth healthy during treatment but also ensure the best possible result when your braces come off.

What Are the Best Practices for Cleaning Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign aligners provide a convenient way to straighten your teeth, but keeping them clean is critical to avoid discoloration and bacteria buildup. Here’s what we recommend:

• Cleaning Aligners: Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water. Clean them gently using a soft-bristle brush and rinse them with lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as it can warp the aligners.
• Hygiene Tips: Avoid toothpaste when cleaning aligners, as it can scratch the surface. Instead, use aligner cleaning crystals or mild soap to keep them clear and hygienic.

At Refined Orthodontics, we provide clear instructions to help you care for your Invisalign aligners, ensuring they remain effective throughout your treatment.

What Foods Should Be Avoided During Orthodontic Treatment?

What you eat during orthodontic treatment is just as important as your cleaning routine. To protect your braces or aligners, avoid these foods:

• For Braces: Stay away from sticky, hard, or chewy foods like gum, popcorn, and nuts, which can damage brackets and wires. These damages may extend your treatment time.
• For Aligners: While aligners are removable, you should still avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth or aligners, like coffee, tea, and dark berries.

Focusing on softer foods, like yogurt, steamed vegetables, and soups, will keep your treatment on track. At Refined Orthodontics, we offer detailed dietary guidance to help you stay comfortable and protect your braces or aligners.

Why Is Maintaining Oral Hygiene Important with Braces or Aligners?

Oral hygiene plays a crucial role in the success of your orthodontic treatment. Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or staining around your braces or aligners. Here’s why proper care is so important:

• Healthy Teeth and Gums: Keeping your teeth and gums clean ensures that they stay healthy throughout treatment, reducing the risk of complications.
• Long-Lasting Results: Good oral hygiene helps maintain the integrity of your teeth, ensuring that your smile looks its best once your braces or aligners are removed.

What Happens if Oral Hygiene Slips During Treatment?

Failing to maintain oral hygiene while undergoing orthodontic treatment can lead to several issues:

• Gum Disease: Poor cleaning habits can cause your gums to become inflamed, leading to gingivitis or more severe gum disease.
• Decalcification: White spots, also known as decalcification, may appear on your teeth if plaque is left untreated.
• Cavities and Longer Treatment: Not brushing or flossing correctly can lead to cavities, which may extend your treatment time.

At Refined Orthodontics, regular checkups with Dr. Bonolo ensure that any issues are caught early, helping you maintain great oral health throughout your treatment.