From crooked teeth to improper bites, braces can address most alignment issues. According to the dental team at BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, taking proper care of your orthodontic gear is critical if you want the best results from treatment. To help protect your teeth and preserve the equipment, these dentists highlight a few important steps, below.

How to Maintain Your Braces

Brush & Floss After Every Meal

In addition to the standard oral hygiene practices, you should also brush and floss after eating. While it may seem excessive, this is necessary to clear away food that can easily get stuck in braces and increase the risk of cavities and periodontal disease.

To avoid damaging the braces, brush at a 45-degree angle against the gums while moving the bristles in a gentle, circular motion across tooth surfaces. When flossing, thread around the wires to clear all spaces between the teeth. Rinse with mouthwash to kill any lingering bacteria. To enhance and simplify your routine, use floss threaders, interdental brushes, and water flossers.

Chew With Care

When you eat hard or sticky objects, braces can bend or snap. In some cases, food particles may even get stuck behind wires and brackets and cause pain. Avoid munching on foods like gum, bagels, jerky, taffy, nuts, and popcorn.

Guard Your Gear

If you participate in any contact sports, wear a custom mouth guard. These devices will protect braces from breaking—and teeth from cracking in the event of an impact.

Stick to Orthodontist Appointments

For braces to properly straighten teeth, you must visit the orthodontist regularly to tighten and adjust the equipment. Orthodontic specialists will keep your progress on track and make sure your teeth and braces are kept clean. 

Address Emergencies Immediately

There are times when these orthodontic devices may experience problems. If you notice that the brackets aren’t staying in place or the wires have snapped, visit the orthodontist as soon as possible to repair the braces for proper straightening.

BridgeView Dental Group strives to make orthodontic care as easy as possible. From selecting braces to adjusting gear, these dentists will help with every step of the teeth straightening process in a comfortable, convenient, and cost-effective manner. Visit this clinic online to learn about their comprehensive dental services. For appointments, call (907) 486-3257.