At Dream Smiles Orthodontics in Brisbane we ensure our patients are aware of how to care for their teeth during and post their orthodontic treatment.
While it’s important to follow a consistent oral care regime which includes brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, those who wear braces must follow an even stringent oral care routine. Below are some useful cleaning techniques and tips we recommend you follow during your orthodontic treatment.
Brushing & Flossing routine and techniques
At Dream Smiles Orthodontics we recommend flossing and brushing twice a day or after every meal. We also recommend using a floss threader, which can be used to help you clean safely around your braces and brackets. It is essential l to floss twice a day, especially after lunch and before bedtime to prevent keep gum disease and tooth decay.
Teeth and appliances should be brushed after every meal and before bedtime using fluoride toothpaste. Gentle, soft strokes at a 45 degree angle should be used, paying attention to the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth as well as the chewing surfaces.
An interdental toothbrush can also help you clean the hard-to-reach areas of your teeth, especially under your wires much better than an ordinary toothbrush.
Follow a low acidic diet
Eating too much sugary food and drinking sugary soft drinks can contribute to plaque build-up. If you have braces, you will need to brush, floss and rinse after eating sugary food as it can get caught in your braces, causing plaque build-up that leads tooth decay.
Tooth friendly foods that are low in acid are:
- Carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, beets
- Bananas, mangoes, melons
- Milk, water
- Meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, crackers, soups, pasta
Less tooth friendly foods high in acid are:
- Fruits including Apples, oranges, peaches, pears, plums and pineapples (fruit is a great source of vitamins and minerals for a healthy body, so rather than cutting them completely from your diet, wash away any acid after consuming with a glass of water, or brush your teeth if possible).
- Tomatoes & pickles
- Soft drinks (regular & diet), sports drinks, fruit drinks
- Vinaigrette dressings, BBQ sauces, salsas
Foods to avoid
When undergoing treatment, there are certain foods you should avoid. Some foods can loosen, break or bend wires and bands which can damage the effectiveness of your results.
Avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy substances as this will reduce the stress on your braces. Things like gum, caramels, taco shells, nuts, ice, chips or hard candies. In the unfortunate event that you damage your braces please make an appointment with us immediately.
Using elastics
This phase of orthodontic treatment requires cooperation on your part. Elastics should be worn at all times since if you fail to wear them you run the risk of extending your treatment time as your teeth will move back to original position.
Orthodontic treatment to help you achieve a straighter, healtheir smile
At Dream Smiles Orthodontics in Brisbane, we offer a range of braces and orthodontic treatment plans to correct unaligned teeth. Our range of treatment options are designed fit with your dental needs and lifestyle, from removable appliances to Ceramic and Stainless Steel Braces.
Our experts will assess your mouth and determine the best most efficient and effective treatment for you. Our treatment options include:
- Braces
- Clear Braces
- Tooth-Coloured Braces
- Metal Braces
- Lingual Braces
- Invisalign®
- Retainers
- Removable Appliances
- Incognito Lingual Braces
- Clear Path Aligners
If you are worried about the alignment of your teeth or are struggling with buck teeth or other malocclusions we recommend organising a consultation to treat your teeth.