Straight Teeth, Clean Teeth: The Best Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean When You Wear Braces

Braces are a more common sight in younger people's mouths, and yet invisible braces can still be effective at correcting your teeth at any age. No matter how old you are, you're going to find out that keeping your teeth clean can be kind of annoying when you have braces. It's certainly an adjustment, but efficient dental hygiene is vital when you have braces.

If you have to wear braces, you might as well ensure that you do your best to let them do their job; otherwise its months to years wearing braces for nothing. So what kind of extra care do you need to take when it comes to cleaning your teeth when you have braces?

Make Importance Inspections

Invisible braces are not only infinitely more discreet than their metallic counterparts, but they're also easier to keep clean. A piece of food that becomes lodged behind your braces will be obvious when you have invisible braces. Regular inspection is really important with metallic braces, since you don't want to leave a piece of food in there. If it stays lodged in there, there's the potential for the piece of food to stain your teeth. Invisible braces can be a better choice for younger children, who might not be in the habit of checking for food lodged in their braces.

Brush Every Possible Surface

Braces can be cleaned efficiently using a special brush, which your dentist will probably reccommend. Clean the tops and backs of your teeth with a regular brush, and then use a Christmas tree brush (also known as a spiral brush) to clean the portions of your teeth covered with the braces. The design of the brush allows it to fit between two braces, so you won't be missing any surface area of your teeth.

Keep Flossing

Flossing can be problematic when you have braces, since the braces mean you're unable to really get in there and dislodge the offending food particles. It's a small investment, but you should get an oral irrigator or an air-based flosser. These devices use a comfortable and yet concentrated stream of air or water to clean between your teeth, whether you have braces or not. Both devices are highly effective, but an air-based flosser is better for children because their aim doesn't need to be great in order for the flosser to work.

By taking extra care to clean your brace covered teeth, you'll ensure that when they're ready to come off, your teeth will not only be straight, but healthy.

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