Straightening your teeth and jaw alignment has never been so efficient and comfortable. With advancements like clear aligners and Propel products, treatment has never been quicker or produced such accurate results.
Our team at Buttram Orthodontics works tirelessly to give you stunning smiles, but for even better results, there are some things you can do out of the office!
Cleanliness
A huge factor in your smile’s appearance at the end of treatment is how you took care of it! We emphasize proper oral hygiene at every appointment because mouths that are not adequately cleaned consistently accumulate bacteria, plaque, and germs. This build-up can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues that could have a lasting effect on your mouth’s overall health and smile aesthetic. Here are some ways to maintain your smile throughout orthodontic treatment.
Use A Water Flosser
Water flossers are oral hygiene devices that are meant to be used in addition to brushing and thread flossing. The machines use jets of water to remove stubborn residue, including bacteria, plaque, and food particles, from the teeth and gums.
Patients wearing clear or traditional braces can use water flossers to clean the hard-to-read places of their appliances and mouth. Wearers of Invisalign or clear braces can use water flossers to keep their teeth clean of any residue that might stain their trays or ligatures (the elastics that hold the wires to the brackets) and make them more noticeable to others.
Water flossers are not only for people in orthodontic treatment. Because they keep the mouth clean of harmful things, they are a great addition to anyone’s routine whether or not they are an orthodontic patient.
Use An Interproximal Brush
For braces wearers, an interproximal brush, also known as an interdental brush, is perfect for keeping the mouth clean and fresh on the go. This portable tool is small enough to fit behind the wires and between the brackets of braces but is still large enough to clean effectively. The brushes are perfect for when you are unable to use a water flosser, such as at school, work, a restaurant, or an airport. They can also help clean the spaces between the teeth if patients have difficulty flossing.
Clear Aligners Cleaning Solution(s)
Your removable Invisalign trays need to be cleaned to avoid oral health complications. Dirty trays encourage tooth decay and gum disease and quickly produce a foul taste and smell that is not inviting to wear for hours a day. Clean trays also enable faster overall treatment time because the less you wear them, the longer you need to!
Fortunately, they’re easy to clean, and there are a few different ways to do it. Ask Dr. Buttram for cleaning instructions and what products to use when you receive your trays. Remember, you don’t want to put any cleaning solutions on your Invisalign trays without Dr. Buttram’s approval!
Comfort
Orthodontic treatment applies pressure to your teeth and jaw to move them into their desired locations. Though treatment is more pleasant than it has ever been, there is still discomfort that comes along with it.
Managing any adverse symptoms you experience is crucial to your orthodontic journey. Suppose you feel uncomfortable for extended periods. In that case, you are less likely to finish treatment or be as motivated to follow your orthodontic’s care instructions, jeopardizing your smile’s health and look.
Icepacks
During the adjustment duration of getting braces installed or tightened and wearing a new Invisalign tray, it’s not uncommon to experience some pain and swelling in the gums. To relieve this, we recommend applying an ice pack to the outside of the mouth for ten minutes at a time.
Orthodontic Wax
As your mouth gets used to wearing clear aligners or having braces installed, it’s normal to feel irritation. Clear aligners pushing against swollen gums or brackets rubbing the cheek can be annoying and create canker sores. Orthodontic wax can help! This removable material can be applied as needed to areas of the mouth that are bothering you. It protects your skin and gums from pinching, scraping, and poking from clear aligners and braces. Ask Dr. Buttram for some at your next appointment!
Want to learn more about helpful orthodontic products? Come visit us at Buttram Orthodontics!
Our knowledgeable, dedicated staff is passionate about creating an enjoyable orthodontic experience. We want you to enjoy the journey to a straightener smile!
Orthodontic technology and products are updating constantly. Dr. Buttram and his team work hard to stay up-to-date to give you the best advice. For personalized recommendations based on your needs and goals, contact us today to book an appointment or a free consultation.
