The braces, what care is required to wear them

To get good results from an orthodontic treatment, an adequate cleaning and care regime in addition to good oral hygiene is important.

The accumulation of biofilm can cause gingivitis, as well as enamel demineralization. These complications could be symptoms such as tooth stains and in the worst case, cavities.

If you want to know all about adult orthodontics, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll give you some good tips:

How to clean and care for your teeth when wearing braces

• Brush your teeth at least 3 times a day for a minimum of 2 minutes, focusing especially on brushing before going to bed. This way you can get rid of any plaque or food that may be stuck in and around your teeth and braces.
• Make sure your brushing technique involves brushing all surfaces: in front, behind, on top and beneath the wire and most importantly, where the teeth and the gums meet.
• Use a proper brush and toothpaste:
  The ideal toothbrush for brace wearers should have soft bristles and a small head. You could also opt for a specific, v-shaped orthodontic brush. However, you can use any type of brush, including an electric toothbrush. Your toothpaste should contain fluoride, as it strengthens the teeth and reduces the possibility of demineralization during treatment.
• For a complete cleaning regime, use an interdental toothbrush and a specialised mouthwash at least once a day. This will help to fight bacteria and get into the small gaps between the braces, teeth and arches.

These tips tend to be enough to achieve and maintain good care. However, there are also complementary tools such as oral irrigators that help to get to the hard-to-reach places. Plaque disclosers can help to carry out a visual check in areas that have not been brushed well enough. These tools may be required in some cases.

If you are interested in finding out more about orthodontics, you can consult the information provided by the Spanish Orthodontic Society. Or book an appointment with an orthodontist at Clínica Pronova; your specialists in aesthetic braces in Palma.