While the confidence boost from having a stunningly straight smile is certainly something to look forward to when you have braces, life with braces can sometimes take some extra effort in the meantime. Good dental hygiene is always important, but it’s especially crucial to keep your teeth clean when you have braces.
At Advanced Orthodontic Care in Cherry Creek, Denver, our experienced and friendly orthodontist Dr. Robert Rudman will make sure you know exactly how to keep your smile looking great while it’s being straightened with braces.
Brushing with Braces
You know you’re supposed to brush twice a day normally, but with braces, you’ll need to brush three or four times a day. You should thoroughly brush every surface of your teeth and braces in the morning, after each meal, and before you go to bed. Since your braces will wear down the bristles of your toothbrush, be sure to replace your toothbrush as soon as it starts to look frayed or worn.
Flossing with Braces
When you have braces, flossing is crucial for cleaning the spaces in your mouth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque and food particles can build up in these spaces, leading to tooth decay that can damage the beautiful, straight smile you’re trying to create with braces.
Even though flossing with braces takes a little extra effort, it’s worth it to protect your smile. To get into those hard-to-reach places, you’ll use a handy little tool called a floss threader. We’ve even made this helpful video on flossing with braces to show you how to use your floss threader.
To learn more about dental hygiene with braces or about your options for teeth straightening in Denver, please contact our experienced orthodontist Dr. Rudman or drop by Advanced Orthodontic Care just off East 1st Avenue on Cook Street in the heart of Cherry Creek in Denver.
