How to care for your Teeth During and After the Orthodontic treatment?

During the orthodontic treatment there are some tips you could follow:

Foods to Avoid

Stick to softer foods for the first few days following the placement of braces to optimize comfort. Throughout the course of treatment, there are types of foods that should be avoided entirely. These foods can snap archwires, displace orthodontic bands and loosen brackets. The orthodontist will offer a complete list of food to steer clear of, but here are some general examples:

• Hard Foods – Ice cubes, popcorn kernels, and potato chips
• Sticky Foods – Taffy, gum, bagels, jerky and caramel
• Sugary Foods – Candy, jam, jelly, chocolate, breath mints and soda
• On the Bone Foods – Chicken wings, barbecue ribs and corn on the cob

Cleaning Around Braces

Orthodontic braces create spots where oral bacteria can stick and promote tooth decay. It is crucial to brush your teeth after every meal or snack to get rid of debris and plaque. Flossing is also an essential part of everyday braces care. All sides of each tooth should be carefully cleaned twice a day. The orthodontist will be able to provide advice on home hygiene techniques with braces.

Preventing Damage During Athletics

Sports are one of the major causes of dislodged and broken orthodontic appliances. Special mouth guards that protect braces should be worn every time a sport is played. Though contact sports, such as football, put orthodontic patients at higher risk for to injury, players of non-contact sports like soccer are also at susceptible to lip lacerations and snapped archwires.

Braces can be rendered ineffective from loose bands, brackets and broken archwires. An appointment should be made with the orthodontist as promptly as possible so appliances can be fixed for maximum function. A broken orthodontic appliance prolongs total treatment time when not corrected.

After the orthodontic treatment

After the braces are taken off. You’ll be free of bands and brackets, able to eat what you want and run your tongue over smooth, clean teeth. But remember that you’re not quite done with orthodontic treatment yet: The next phase, called retention, is just beginning.

Retention is a critical follow-through stage that typically involves wearing an orthodontic appliance called a retainer. Several different kinds of retainers are available, all of which are custom-made just for you. The Orthodontist will recommend the type (or types) that will work best in your situation, and he’ll tell you exactly when and how long you need to wear them.

But if your teeth are straight now, why do you need a retainer at all? it’s because if you don’t wear one, your teeth will start moving right back to where they were!

Teeth aren’t set rigidly in the jawbone — instead, they’re held in place by a network of fibers called the periodontal ligaments. After they have been moved, it takes several months for the periodontal ligament to adjust to the new position. So if you want to keep that new smile, it’s essential to wear your retainer as directed.

Being fitted for a retainer usually happens on the same day your braces are removed. After your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, the orthodontist may take another set of X-rays and/or bite impressions, to check how well your braces worked and to see how much your wisdom teeth have developed. Then, the orthodontist will discuss your retainer and start getting it ready.

Three Types of Retainers

There are three basic types of retainers available today;

• The “Hawley” retainer is a thin, tongue-shaped piece of acrylic molded to fit your mouth, with a wire that holds your teeth in position. The Hawley retainer is simple, durable and easily removed.
• Another popular style of retainer is the clear aligner-type, which looks similar to the Invisalign® tray system. These retainers are custom-made of thin, transparent plastic which is designed to fit precisely over your teeth. Their main advantage is that they’re invisible, with no wire to show. These retainers are also easy to remove, but they may be somewhat less durable than the Hawleys.
• Finally, fixed retainers may be an option for some people, especially on the lower front teeth. As their name implies, they aren’t removable by the wearer — but they aren’t visible either. This system uses a wire which is bonded to the tongue side of the teeth. It may remain in place for months, or longer. This type of retainer is sometimes recommended when there’s a high risk that teeth could revert to their former position.

To stay fresh and germ-free, all retainers need proper cleaning by using a soft toothbrush. Fixed retainers are cleaned by brushing and flossing.

With proper care and conscientious use, a retainer can help you transition from braces to a permanent, healthy smile.