We understand that having dental issues, like misaligned teeth or a bad bite, can affect the way people perceive themselves, making them feel insecure about their smile.
But we have good news! Orthodontists are dental professionals that can help you address these problems. They will gladly guide you through the whole process of correcting your teeth and creating a unique treatment plan that answers all of your dental needs.
Enhancing the aesthetics of our smiles can be great; however, it doesn’t stop there. Orthodontic treatment offers several benefits that include improving oral function and the health of your mouth. Remember that consulting with an orthodontist is the first step of the process and can help determine if treatment is necessary and which options are best suited for your personal needs.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
If we don’t brush our teeth after every meal, food residues and bacteria can create a sticky layer, called plaque, on the surface of our teeth. This plaque is the main reason for tooth decay, causing damage to the enamel of the teeth.
Some of the causes of tooth decay include:
1. Inadequate Oral Hygiene:
Not having good oral hygiene creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, allowing plaque to accumulate and increasing the risk of tooth decay.
2. Bacterial Activity:
There are bacteria living in the mouth that feed from the sugar and carbohydrates present in the food and drinks you consume. To prevent bacterial activity, you need to reduce your intake of sugary foods and brush your teeth after every meal.
3. Formation of Plaque:
When we don’t remove plaque through regular brushing, it can harden on the surface of the tooth, contributing to dental decay.
Braces and Tooth Decay:
If we are undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as with metal braces, we need to be extra careful when we clean our teeth and gums. Traditional orthodontic treatment can indirectly contribute to the creation of cavities. This could happen because the brackets and wires create small spaces where the food residue can get stuck, which can lead to plaque buildup and increase the risk of developing dental issues. You can prevent all this, however, with good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist.
How Does Teeth Alignment Impact Oral Hygiene?
When we think of orthodontic treatment, we usually picture the positive impact that it can have on the appearance of our smile. However, straight teeth can also benefit our oral hygiene and the health of our mouth.
Correcting the position of the teeth can make it easier for us to clean them thoroughly, which allows us to remove plaque and bacteria. As a consequence, we reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.
How to Maintain Oral Hygiene with Braces?
Maintaining oral hygiene is really important to avoid several dental issues. However, if you are wearing metal braces, it could be a little more challenging. We recommend that you follow a hygiene routine that helps you prevent cavities, gum disease, and plaque.
Here are some tips to enhance oral hygiene while having braces:
1. Brushing Techniques and After Meals:
When you have braces, you need to be really careful when brushing your teeth. Make sure to reach all the spaces between the brackets and wires. We recommend that you use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. In addition, brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal.
2. Orthodontic Floss:
You should use orthodontic floss at least once a day to keep your gums healthy.
3. Interdental Brushes:
Orthodontists and dental hygienists recommend these small brushes to patients who wear metal braces because it allows them to remove all the bacteria and plaque from the surface of the teeth and the spaces between them.
4. Use Orthodontic Wax:
This product can help you alleviate any discomfort. In case of irritation on your cheeks or lips, cover it with orthodontic wax. Your doctor will normally provide your dental wax.
What Is an Interdental Brush?
If you are considering undergoing orthodontic treatment, like traditional braces, then you need to familiarize yourself with the interdental brush. We are talking about a small dental tool that helps you clean between the teeth and dental appliances such as metal brackets, bridges, or implants. These brushes are perfect for cleaning the spaces that traditional brushes and dental floss can’t usually reach.
It can reach difficult areas of the teeth because it consists of a handle and a tiny brush head with fine bristles. In addition, this tool can benefit those patients who have wider gaps between teeth or dental work that creates spaces where food residue can accumulate.
How to Use an Interdental Brush:
Using an interdental brush is really easy! You just need to insert the tiny brush head between the teeth and gently move it back and forth. This motion will help you remove food particles and plaque. These brushes come in different sizes to accommodate all kinds of tooth gaps. So, you need to choose the appropriate size for your teeth and use them carefully to avoid damage to your dental appliances or gums.
It is important that you include this dental instrument in your oral hygiene routine. This will ensure that you maintain the health of your mouth, preventing cavities and other dental issues.
Are Interdental Brushes Better Than Floss?
Well, there is no definitive answer to this question since it depends on several factors, such as individual preferences, oral needs, and the patient’s specific situation. It is true that interdental brushes and dental floss serve similar purposes, such as cleaning between the teeth and removing plaque. However, there might be certain cases in which interdental brushes can be more effective compared to traditional dental floss.
For instance, patients who are wearing conventional metal braces can benefit from using an interdental brush, as we explained before. The design of these tools makes it easier to navigate around brackets and wires to clean these difficult areas more thoroughly than floss.
Furthermore, interdental brushes are reusable, meaning they can last longer than pieces of floss. As a consequence, this can help you save money in the long run.
In conclusion, we recommend you consult with your dental hygienist so they can help you decide which tool or combination of tools is best suited for your dental needs.
Book Your Orthodontic Consultation Today!
You don’t have to keep waiting to enjoy the benefits of a healthy and beautiful smile. You can start the process today if you schedule an appointment with a team of experienced orthodontists who can help you assess your specific case and advise on which kind of treatment you need.
Bigman Orthodontics offers you personalized care and advanced techniques that will assure you having the best possible orthodontic experience. Whether you are considering braces, aligners, or other orthodontic solutions, our experienced team is here to guide you on your journey to a beautifully aligned smile.
Contact Dr. Bigman now to set up an appointment and embark on your personal path to achieve a healthier and more confident smile.