Imagine a scenario where you've just started your orthodontic journey, excited about the prospect of a straighter, more confident smile. But as you embark on this transformative process, you can't help but wonder - how do I keep my teeth healthy while wearing braces or aligners? This is a common concern among patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, and it's one that deserves attention.
As an orthodontist in Plano, Texas, I've seen firsthand the importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. The team at Elvebak Orthodontics is dedicated to guiding our patients through this journey, ensuring they achieve not only a beautiful smile but also optimal dental health.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Braces or Aligners
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Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each time, is crucial when wearing braces or aligners. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
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Flossing is even more important during orthodontic treatment. Use specialized floss threaders or orthodontic floss to navigate around the wires and brackets.
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Interdental brushes, also known as "proxy brushes," can effectively clean the areas between your teeth and around your braces.
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Using an antibacterial mouthwash, such as one containing chlorhexidine, can help reduce plaque and gingivitis during your orthodontic treatment.
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Avoid sugary, sticky, and hard foods that can damage your braces or get trapped in the wires and brackets.
Orthodontic Treatment Statistics
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The average length of orthodontic treatment is 6 months, but this can vary greatly depending on factors like age. Treatment is often faster when done during the "golden age" of 12-13 years old.
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Around 4 million people in the USA are currently wearing braces.
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Most Americans (80%) have had a cavity by the time they are 17, which can be greatly reduced with the aid of orthodontics.
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Orthodontists make up around 5% of all dentists.
Expenditures and Trends
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Total orthodontic expenditures in the US almost doubled from $11.5 billion in 1996 to $19.9 billion in 2016.
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The average cost for orthodontics treatment per individual rose from $42.69 in 1996 to $61.52 in 2016.
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Out-of-pocket expenses represented the highest total orthodontic expenditure, though public insurance increased the most over the study period.
In summary, maintaining excellent oral hygiene through thorough brushing, flossing, and use of specialized tools is crucial during orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic care has become more prevalent and costly over the past two decades in the US.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Braces or Aligners
Orthodontic appliances, whether they're traditional braces or clear aligners, can make it more challenging to keep your teeth clean. Food particles and plaque can easily get trapped around the brackets, wires, and other components, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. However, with the right techniques and tools, you can effectively maintain your oral health throughout your treatment.
1. Brush Thoroughly and Frequently
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each time, is crucial. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean all surfaces of your teeth, including around the brackets and wires. Consider using an electric toothbrush, as they have been shown to be more effective in removing plaque.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing is even more important during orthodontic treatment. Use specialized floss threaders or orthodontic floss to navigate around the wires and brackets, ensuring you reach all the nooks and crannies between your teeth.
3. Incorporate Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes, also known as "proxy brushes," are small, angled brushes that can effectively clean the areas between your teeth and around your braces. These are especially helpful for reaching those hard-to-access spots.
4. Rinse with an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Using an antibacterial mouthwash, such as one containing chlorhexidine, can help reduce plaque and gingivitis during your orthodontic treatment. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for 30 seconds, twice a day.
5. Avoid Sugary and Sticky Foods
Steer clear of sugary, sticky, and hard foods that can damage your braces or get trapped in the wires and brackets. These include caramel, gum, hard candies, and even popcorn. Opt for softer, healthier alternatives that won't compromise your oral health.
6. Visit Your Orthodontist and Dentist Regularly
It is important to make regular appointments with both your orthodontist and dentist. Your orthodontist can ensure your braces or aligners are functioning correctly and provide guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene. Your dentist can perform professional cleanings and check for any underlying issues.
7. Consider a Water Flosser
A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, can be a valuable tool for removing plaque and food debris around your braces. These devices use a stream of water to dislodge particles that traditional flossing may miss.
Here are two real-life examples of how orthodontic treatment can impact self-confidence and quality of life:
Sarah's Story
Sarah, a 16-year-old girl, had severe crowding in her teeth, which made her self-conscious about her smile. She often avoided social situations because she felt embarrassed about her appearance. Sarah wore braces for two years during her orthodontic treatment to straighten her teeth. The change was astonishing, as her smile became perfectly aligned and her facial appearance underwent a significant improvement. Sarah's newfound confidence allowed her to engage more freely with her peers and participate in social activities without feeling insecure about her smile.
Tom's Journey
Tom, a 28-year-old man, struggled with an overbite his whole life. His misaligned bite made it difficult for him to eat properly and affected his speech as well. With the help of Invisalign aligners, Tom underwent a year-long treatment plan that gradually corrected his overbite. The outcome was a perfectly aligned smile that not only boosted his confidence but also improved his oral health and functionality.
Tom no longer had to worry about the aesthetic or functional challenges posed by his overbite, allowing him to feel more comfortable and confident in both his personal and professional life.
These real-life examples demonstrate how orthodontic treatment can have a profound impact on an individual's self-confidence and quality of life. By addressing misalignment issues or other dental concerns, patients like Sarah and Tom were able to regain their self-esteem and embrace social situations without feeling insecure about their smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How frequently should I clean my teeth while wearing braces?
A: It's recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each time, when you have braces. Brushing after meals is also important to remove food particles and plaque.
Q: Is flossing more difficult with braces?
A: Yes, flossing can be more challenging with braces, but it's still essential. Use floss threaders or specialized orthodontic floss to navigate around the wires and brackets.
Q: Can I still get cavities with braces?
A: Yes, you can still develop cavities while wearing braces if you don't maintain good oral hygiene. The trapped food particles and plaque can lead to tooth decay if not properly removed.
Q: How often should I see my orthodontist during treatment?
A: Most orthodontists recommend visiting every 4-8 weeks for adjustments and to monitor the progress of your treatment.
Q: Can I still see my regular dentist during orthodontic treatment?
A: Absolutely! It's important to continue seeing your regular dentist for cleanings and checkups, even while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Q: Are there any special tools I should use to clean my braces?
A: Yes, interdental brushes, water flossers, and specialized orthodontic toothbrushes can be very helpful in cleaning around your braces.
Q: How long does orthodontic treatment typically take?
A: The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary, but on average, it takes 12-24 months to complete, depending on the complexity of the case.
Expert Insight
"Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment. Patients who diligently follow their orthodontist's recommendations for brushing, flossing, and using supplemental tools like water flossers tend to have the best outcomes and the healthiest smiles," says Dr. Elvebak, a renowned orthodontist in Plano, Texas.
Keeping your teeth healthy during orthodontic treatment may require a bit more effort, but it's an essential part of the process. By following the tips and recommendations outlined in this article, you can ensure your teeth and gums remain strong and healthy throughout your journey to a straighter, more confident smile.
If you're considering orthodontic treatment in the Plano, Texas area, the team at Elvebak Orthodontics is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams while prioritizing your overall oral health.