Braces are a big investment and it’s important to maintain orthodontic hygiene so that you can get the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment. At Swan Orthodontics, you can even earn rewards for good oral hygiene!
Why is Dental Hygiene Important?
Dental hygiene is important regardless of whether you currently wear braces or not. However, wearing braces does make regular cleaning more crucial. Food can easily get trapped in the brackets and wires of your braces, and it is sometimes difficult to clean around them. If food particles are not properly removed, they will be broken down by cavity-causing bacteria which leads to gum disease, infection, and tooth decay.
How to Maintain Good Dental Hygiene
Special brushes with smaller bristles can get in between the tight spaces of your braces to dislodge food and clean between the wires. Carry a mini dental kit with you so that you can brush your teeth immediately after meals or snacking. Include floss threaders, soft picks, and soft toothbrushes with small heads in your kit.
Additionally, make sure to avoid sticky, sugary foods like bubblegum and taffy. Cavity-causing bacteria thrive on these sugars and the sticky substances can damage your braces. Instead, choose fruits, vegetables, and healthy foods with vitamins and minerals that promote oral health and won’t damage the teeth. Make sure to cut up apples and other hard fruits to avoid damaging your oral appliance.
Preventing White Squares on Reveal Day
We hear from many patients that they are concerned about white bracket squares once the braces are removed. These white squares are the result of plaque building up around the braces and staining the surrounding surface of the tooth. As long as you consistently care for your teeth and keep them clean while wearing braces, you can expect smooth, evenly colored teeth once your braces on removed.
Patient Rewards for Great Hygiene
Earn double the benefits with exciting prizes for keeping your braces and teeth in great condition. With our Wooden Nickel Incentive Program, you can trade wooden nickels for prize cabinet rewards, gift cards, and Cedar Point or Michigan Adventure Passes! Nickels can be earned in the following ways:
- Excellent-graded brushing and flossing
- No damaged, lost, or broken appliances
- Compliance wearing your elastics or retainer
- Wearing your Swan Ortho T-Shirt
- Regular dental cleanings
Braces in Caledonia, MI
If you or your child have crooked teeth and want to enhance your smile, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office. Dr. Kathryn Swan and our team will be happy to discuss all of our options for braces and we can answer any questions you might have about maintaining great oral hygiene.