5 Necessary Items Everyone With Braces Should Have

When you first get your braces, you may be shocked at how very different everything is once the anaesthetic wears off. You may have to get used to speaking differently, holding your tongue differently, and moving your lips differently. You will also have to learn to eat differently, and you may have to forego some foods that you would otherwise enjoy. These new conditions are only temporary, and can be managed to a degree where they hardly bother you at all, except perhaps after activations.

Here are 5 items and products that will help you deal with having braces, and make the experience quicker, less irritating, and hopefully reducing the chances of getting a cavity while in braces.

Interdental toothbrush

interdental-toothbrush

If I would have to narrow down this list to only one item, the interdental toothbrush would be, without a shadow of a doubt, the one that I would pick. The most important tool of the orthodontic patient, the interdental toothbrush can reach where other toothbrushes, even orthodontic ones, simply cannot. They can help you clean between the wires and the brackets, and between the brackets and the teeth. They can also get into the nooks and crannies that come with orthodontic treatment.

Mouthwash

Even if you are super-good at brushing your teeth and use an interdental toothbrush, there still may be pockets of bacteria that you simply have not reached. Mouthwash will help with that. It can get everywhere and soak the teeth, gums, and the orthodontic appliance. Rinsing with mouthwash is incredibly important during orthodontic treatment.

Dental floss

Floss is necessary even if you do not have braces, but many people neglect it because it takes too much time. When in braces, flossing is absolutely mandatory because of the increased space in which food can become ensnared. You will also have to upgrade to dental floss that is compatible with braces. It needs to be strong enough to not get frayed or broken on the appliance, as that can damage your teeth, gums, and braces.

dental-floss

Braces soothing gel

Sometimes teeth and gums can really hurt from getting braces. It can be a sharp sort of pain from actual damage where gums or lips and cheeks touch the appliance, or a dull sort of throbbing from the teeth being moved about in the soft tissues. There are topical ointments that can be used to reduce sensitivity, reduce swelling, and strengthen the oral mucosa.

Fluoride

In order to make sure that you are not left with white spots from demineralization on your teeth, you should use fluoride ointment, or a fluoridated mouthwash. You can put the ointment on and brush with it as if you would be brushing your teeth, and leave the fluoride ointment on the teeth for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth.
Given the lengths you’re going to to perfect your smile, doesn’t it make sense to do a little extra every day? The day the braces come off, you’ll be happy you did.

images: 1. 2.

Price: £5/day

Orthodontic package offer for only £5 a day!*
*With interest free finance

The offer is valid until withdrawal. 

Read more

Orthodontics Blog

Get in touch

Book an appointment or ask a question