The orthodontics fixed has a series of disadvantages associated with it, such as the case of hygiene. Although it is true that our oral hygiene habits must be more meticulous, given that our mouth now has external elements such as the brackets themselves, wires, archwires or other types of elements commonly used in fixed orthodontics, in reality hygiene with braces is not difficult, but rather something to which we must dedicate more time and dedication if we want to have clean teeth and healthy gums.
My name is Adrián MelgaresI am a dental hygienist and an orthodontic assistant at the dental clinic in Murcia Vélez y Lozano and today I am here to give you some tips on how to modify your routine to fixed orthodontics.
I would like to emphasise something that we have already mentioned, hygiene with fixed orthodontics requires special care and dedication, due to the fact that the elements it needs to work favour the accumulation of food debris and plaque on the teeth, and this can sometimes lead to caries or gum inflammation, but this does not have to happen if we know how to brush and follow this routine that I am going to offer you.
The first step is to rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating to easily remove much of the debris that may remain between the brackets and the archwires. The next step is brushing. We must begin by cleaning the area between the brackets and the archwires. the gum and the toothas this is where plaque accumulates the most. Brushing should be done with circular movements and then do the same with the lower part of the mouth, always moving the brush towards the edge of the tooth.
We must not forget to also brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth and the inner part of the teeth, an area that tends to be neglected because it does not usually accumulate visible or tangible food debris, but which is often the most important part of the teeth. also get dirty when we eat.
The brushing time should take between 3 and 4 minutes, which is the average time it takes to do it correctly. In addition, when we use orthodontics, many dental movements are made, which in many cases leads to small gaps appearing between the teeth during treatment. These small gaps can accumulate food debris, so it is important to clean the area well. Sometimes normal floss is not effective and we have to resort to other techniques, so we have to use the so-called interproximal or interdental brushes or a specific type of dental floss for these cases called superfloss.
Superfloss is a dental floss It is made up of three types of floss: a rigid section at the end of the floss that serves as a threader and is very useful for inserting the superfloss in areas close to the bracket; a wide, spongy section that absorbs plaque as well as sweeping it away; and a final section that is normal dental floss.
Interdental brushes, on the other hand, should be used in those gaps or diastemas that are large enough that they cannot be properly cleaned with dental floss. The correct way to use it is to insert it at an angle and very gently, without generating too much pressure, before moving from bottom to top or vice versa. Contrary to what many patients believe, if the brush is difficult to enter, instead of pressing hard, we should look for another brush of a different size, or we may damage the gum.
It is also advisable for orthodontic patients to use the mouthwasheswhich will allow us to finish removing accumulated plaque. In addition, there are those with fluoride content that help strengthen teeth and prevent caries or with different properties that can help prevent gum inflammation, which is common in patients with fixed orthodontics. Your orthodontist can guide you in choosing the best one for your specific case.
About electric or manualIt doesn't really matter what type of toothbrush you use, as long as you have a correct and effective brushing technique. You should bear in mind that there is a wide variety of toothbrushes exclusively for orthodontic patients, both in the range of electric and manual toothbrushes, but if we do not use them as we should, i.e. three times a day, circular brushing and during the first three days of treatment, we should use them as we should. 3 to 4 minutes in each use, it will not be enough.
Remember that proper hygiene while wearing fixed orthodontics guarantees that the day you finish your treatment you will be able to have the smile you were looking for when you started, not only in terms of aesthetics but also in terms of health.
If you have any further questions about the oral hygiene routine you should follow with braces or fixed orthodontics, you can write to us through the comments box or our social networks, where we will be happy to help you. If, on the other hand, you have come to this article because you are considering orthodontics and are weighing up the disadvantages, the best thing to do is to make an appointment for an assessment with us, the Vélez y Lozano dental clinic, on 968 28 46 28.