Orthodontics 101

You can take better care of your teeth and braces by using a specialty product like a braces toothbrush. If you’re wearing braces right now, you probably already know difficult it is to maneuver a regular toothbrush around the bands and wires of your braces. It’s essential for your treatment to keep your teeth and braces clean but you can’t do this as thoroughly with a regular toothbrush.

Braces toothbrush have an angled handle and head for easier maneuvering, as well as softer, finer bristles with round ends that are perfect for brushing your gums. Brushing with a braces toothbrush might take longer than using a regular toothbrush. Hold the toothbrush against the gums then wriggle the head in small circles to remove plaque or food bits that get stuck at the base of the teeth. Then brush under the wires starting from above before moving down.

Missed a dental check-up appointment or had it rescheduled the next day? Such situation is called a broken appointment. It is important that you inform the secretary of your orthodontist twenty four (24) hours before the scheduled appointment to allow other waiting patients to use the time. Be human enough to reschedule your appointment in a good manner. If you wish to take it after office hours, you better leave the necessary details and confirm.

If you keep on cancelling appointments, this will prolong you or your child’s treatment. The dental clinic cannot monitor your child’s development due to a large number of clients.

One time while I was in class, a good friend of mine asked me “Am I going to wear retainers after braces?”

The answer is YES.

Why you ask? Our periodontal ligaments and bone might take months or years to recall or get used to the new position of the teeth and stay in place. The retainer is a big help in forming the new positions. You should follow the instructions of your orthodontist regarding on how frequent you should use your retainers because if you won’t do that, your teeth may go back to its old self. Isn’t sad if you spent three years with your braces on but ended up looking the same because you don’ want to wear the retainers?

A patient wearing retainers must have self-discipline . Your mouth is the safest way for your retainers so don’t have to remove it unless you are told to do so. Eating out with friends or play sports can still be a valid excuse for not wearing them for an hour. Always bring your retainer case with you. Don’t you ever put it in a paper napkin or tissue for the reason that other people might misinterpret it as trash and throw it in the garbage can. This scenario usually happens after dinner. You will be forced to get a new one again – unless you don’t really care about your teeth anymore.

Please take note that soaking your retainers in hot water, under the sun or even in gargles. Retainers are sensitive and it might be destroyed.

There are some who has this habit of inserting and removing the retainers in and out of their mouth with the use of the tongue. This is one of the causes why the wires become weak and breaks in no time. If such thing happens, better consult your dentist as soon as possible to be able to set an appointment and make the necessary adjustments. You will not be able to wear your retainers if a wire is badly broken.

Essix Retainer or more popularly known as clear plastic retainer, is being used one or two days after the braces are removed by the orthodontist. Essix retainer is somewhat similar with the Invisalign appliance. I’ve been hearing a lot of complains regarding this type of retainer. It was said that this retainer is the most uncomfortable retainer ever that’s why some patients would rather stop in using it. Orthodontists are advising their patients to patiently wear them at night for two straight years, depending on the case. After that, the orthodontist will now replace is with the traditional type of wire retainer.

In choosing a toothbrush for your retainer, it is better to buy a soft bristle toothbrush because it will be easier for you to omit invisible bacteria and plaque in the retainer. You can use cold or hot water for rinsing. Be careful in choosing your toothpaste too. Find a non-abrasive one. Soaking the retainer once in a while is also a good idea.

If you don’t have your toothbrush and toothpaste with you, see to it that you still rinse them with water. Some dentists might recommend you to use retainer cleaning products with corresponding proper care to observe.

Retention is the most important step when your braces are removed. The retainer is designed especially for you. It will hold your teeth to their right position until they are stable already. Wearing your retainers regularly will maintain your healthy and beautiful smile.
It is advisable for you to wear your retainers as often as possible. You can take it out if when eating or playing a dangerous sport. Don’t worry you’ll get used to it.
Clean your retainers regularly to remove the plaque and bacteria. Not doing so will cause hard stains to build up and this will be difficult to remove.