After getting braces, it is important to know how to take care of your teeth in order for your braces stay intact and do their job. This helps to ensure that your teeth are in top-notch condition after completing orthodontic treatment. Our team at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics recommends the following tips to ensure successful cleaning of your braces.Flossing
Flossing every day can help clean areas the between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. We recommend using a floss threader, which is used to help navigate the floss under the wire and between your teeth. It is vital to floss every day to help decrease the chances of tooth decay and gum disease.
Brushing
Teeth and appliances should be brushed after every meal and before bedtime. If you need a reminder on how to angle the toothbrush around your braces, feel free to check out the video on our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics YouTube channel.
Elastics
This phase of orthodontic treatment requires cooperation and consistency on your part. If Dr. Sondhi or Dr. Biggs have recommended that you wear elastics, compliance with their specific instructions is crucial to completing your treatment on time. In fact, if elastics are not worn as instructed, often the desired outcome cannot be reached, and a compromise will have to be accepted.
GRISP
While in treatment with braces, remember the GRISP guidelines of foods to avoid or be careful with. Granola bars that are sticky and chewy; Raw fruits and vegetables, unless sliced into small pieces; Ice, rock candy; Sticky foods, gum, caramel, taffy; Popcorn, Peanuts and Pencils. Failure to follow the GRISP guidelines could add time to your treatment plan due to broken or damaged appliances which disrupts the movement of your teeth into their desired positions.
We hope all this helps! If you have any questions, please feel free call any of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.
