Now that your braces are on, let’s review your home care kit, which includes a few things to help you take care of your braces. There’s a toothbrush, floss threader, a proxy brush and wax.
BRUSH WITH BRACES
Move your toothbrush in a circular motion and turn it in three different positions: the top of the braces, the bottom of the braces and the front of the braces. Spend at least 30 seconds in each position.
1. Start with the tops of the braces.
Brush down on the top of the braces with enough pressure on the brush to get the tips of the bristles under the wire. Brush from one side to the other several times and then move on to the next angle.
2. Brush up underneath the braces.
Put enough pressure on the brush to get the tips of the bristles under the wire. Brush from one side to the other several times before you move on to the next angle.
3. Brush directly on top of the braces and wire.
Repeat this same motion several times. Remember to gently brush the gum line too. That’s where your teeth and gums meet, which will help keep those guns from getting swollen during treatment.
4. Brush your chewing surfaces and the back of your teeth.
You’ll need to brush for at least two to three minutes each time in order to make sure that every surface is clean and you need to brush your teeth at least three times a day or after every meal.
FLOSS WITH BRACES
You need to thread the floss under the arch wire to help you do that. You can use a floss threader with about 18 inches and pull 3 to 5 inches through the loop at the end of the threader. Thread the floss threader under the arch wire, gently go between your teeth, hug the sides of each tooth and then remove the floss and keep going around in between every tooth.
PROXY BRUSH
You can use it between the arch wire in the braces to help loosen food particles, remove plaque and stimulate your gums. Push the brush gently under the arch wire between the brackets. If it’s hard to push the brush into an area, don’t try to force it because you might accidentally break a bracket. Only use it in those areas where you can be sure to use it gently.
WAX
As you’re getting used to your braces, you might feel some sore spots on the inside of your cheeks and lips. If you do, you can use orthodontic wax to cover the area that’s bothering you.
Pinch off a small piece of wax and soften it by rolling it between your fingers. Then place the wax over the spot that’s bothering you. Remember to take the wax out before you eat or brush your teeth. But if you don’t and you accidentally swallow some, don’t worry about it. Meyarn orthodontic protective wax is not harmful to you!
Lastly we need to talk about all the food you can’t eat while you’re in braces. Eating the wrong kinds of foods can damage your braces.
1. Avoid any hardand crunchy foods.
2. Be sure to cut up your fruits and veggies into bite-sized pieces instead of biting into them.
3. Avoid sticky and chewy foods like caramels, taffy, skittles and of course gum.
Feel free to give us a shout anytime if you have any questions or concerns.
