Keeping Your Braces and Retainers in Good Health - Tips and Suggestions

Braces and retainers are dental tools for rectifying teeth alignment. While braces have been used for a long time, retainers are relatively newer. Braces are visible when installed on teeth, but retainers remain unnoticed.

Braces and retainers have an immense corrective effect. The dentist suggests their installation after analysing the enormity of teeth misalignment, and the patient's age as well as jaw shape. Once any of these are fitted, they should be maintained diligently, lest they do more harm than good.

Let's have a look at some suggestions on maintaining the good health of braces or retainers -

Braces

Braces are small brackets interconnected via a metal wire. They remain bonded to each tooth. Gradually, braces exert softer pressure on the teeth and the bone structure. Under the scrutiny of the orthodontist, the alignment of the teeth takes place gradually, with minor adjustments, if required.

Three types of braces are –

• Metal Braces
• Ceramic Braces
• Lingual Braces (fitted at the back of teeth)

Keeping Braces Clean

• Fixed Braces
  • Since fixed braces are more prone to food particles and plaque trappings, brush them after every meal.
  • Carry your toothbrush while going out.
  • Rinse thoroughly with a mouthwash before retiring to the bed.
  • Floss braces with dental threader by gently gliding on the surface of teeth and in between the gum line area.
  • Brush softly at a 45-degree angle. Begin from the gum line, gradually moving towards the cutting part of the teeth. Maintain a soft back-and-forth movement on the wires too.
• Removable Braces
  • Maintaining these braces is simpler. Once removed, clean them well with clean water and a toothbrush.
  • Keep them soaked in the cleaning solution for a few hours (once a week,) and wash them under running water.
  • Do not smear braces with toothpaste.
  • Do not play or let others play with removed braces, else lest they may get ruptured.
• Twin Block Braces
  • Once a week, keep these types of braces soaked in a cleaning solution, and then clean with water and a toothbrush.
  • Do not use toothpaste, and handle them carefully to avoid splintering.

Keeping Retainers Fresh

•     Fixed Retainers

Orthodontic dental floss and an interdental brush will keep front teeth and the fixed retainers clean.

If retainers look discoloured or smell foul, consult your dentist.

•     Removable Retainers

Removable retainers must be stored in a protective cover, and cleaned with a cleaning solution every week.

Do not apply toothpaste or clean with hot water, as this may distort their shape.

Remove them while eating meals, and especially while drinking hot beverages.

Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces and Retainers

• Hard foods like bagels, whole nuts, steaks or candies.
• Sticky foods like molten chocolate, caramels, chewing gum or similar
• Sweets like candy, fudge, creamy cake, chocolate and other desserts.
• Biting food like apricots, peaches, apples, corn, carrots or similar.

While the braces and retainers are working hard to make your smile sweeter and sharper, take good care of them. Their maintenance is directly proportionate to your oral hygiene. They may be fitted temporarily, but your smile will stay beautiful always and forever.