Essential Care for Your Braces in Philadelphia

Have you embarked on a journey to straighter teeth and a more confident smile with braces from Broad Street Braces? In that case, you’re already on the right path to a beautiful grin.

However, achieving the best results from your orthodontic treatment requires diligent care and attention to your braces. We’ve put together some essential care tips to help you maintain your braces and oral health.

Brushing: Quality Over Quantity

Brushing your teeth is crucial, but it’s not just about how often you do it; it’s also about how well you do it. With braces, you’ll need to pay extra attention to ensure you’re cleaning both your teeth and the braces effectively.

Angle your toothbrush towards your gums and apply moderate pressure while brushing for at least two minutes after every meal. This thorough approach will help prevent plaque buildup and keep your teeth and braces looking their best.

Flossing: Don’t Forget the Wire

Flossing becomes even more critical when you have braces. Invest in a floss-threader to clean effectively between your teeth and underneath the wire.

This handy tool will help you reach those tight spaces and keep your gums and teeth healthy throughout your orthodontic journey.

Foods to Avoid: Protect Your Braces

Adhering to a simple rule can save you from potential orthodontic mishaps: avoid hard and crunchy foods like popcorn, hard pretzels, and chips.

Also, avoid sticky and chewy treats like Swedish Fish and gummy candy. These types of foods can easily damage your braces, prolonging your treatment time.

Poking Wires: A Quick Fix with Ortho Wax

Occasionally, a wire or brace might become uncomfortable and start poking you. Don’t worry; this is a common issue during orthodontic treatment.

The solution is simple: orthodontic wax. Roll up a pea-sized ball of wax and gently apply it to the offending wire or brace. This method will provide immediate relief; you can repeat the process as often as needed until the irritation subsides.

Broken Braces: When to Call Us

While braces are designed to be robust, accidents can happen. If a mount becomes disconnected from a tooth and either comes off or hangs loose on a wire, it’s essential to reach out to us at Broad Street Braces.

Depending on your treatment progress, we may schedule an appointment to fix it promptly or recommend waiting until your next scheduled visit. Rest assured, our expert team is here to help ensure your orthodontic journey is as smooth as possible.

For a visual guide to some of these essential care tips, check out our very own Dr. Neil demonstrating them on our website. Dr. Neil’s expertise and guidance will give you a clear understanding of maintaining your braces effectively.

If you have any questions or concerns about your braces, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way on your orthodontic journey in Philadelphia, PA.