When you are considering getting braces or know that it is time for your child to get braces, you might be leaning toward the traditional metal braces route. There are many reasons that you may be opting to go the traditional route.
- Metal braces are durable. Unlike ceramic braces or aligners, metal braces are incredibly durable. Instead of needing to come back for multiple sets of aligners, you will have one set of metal braces your orthodontist fits to your teeth and you would only come in to get things adjusted.
- Metal braces are more affordable. Orthodontic care and treatments can become expensive quickly. Metal braces can allow you to fix a variety of issues with your mouth in an affordable way. While the costs will depend entirely on your specific circumstances and how long you will need braces, many people find that they are significantly more affordable.
- They can be less upkeep. It’s true that you need to be careful with what you eat and how you clean them, but there is no concern about removing them so you can eat, scrubbing them clean at the end of the day, or getting aligners lost when you take them out. Metal braces are fixed to your teeth and will continue working and doing their job so you don’t have to think about it.
What are the proper techniques for caring for traditional braces?
As a trusted Laguna Niguel, CA orthodontist knows, there are certain techniques you will need to know when taking care of your braces so that you can get the results you want. You will want to use toothpaste with fluoride and use a soft brush. It is important that you brush gently along your gums and brush more firmly when you are cleaning your braces. If your orthodontist has you wearing your elastic bands, remove them before brushing.
Can I floss when I have braces in?
It may seem impossible to floss when you have braces on. However, it is just as important to clean between your teeth when you have braces as it is any other time. Braces can make it even easier for food to get stuck in your teeth and this can cause tooth damage. Just as you would without braces, carefully thread the floss between each tooth and the wire. You will want to ensure you remove any food particles that may have gotten lodged there. Repeat this process until you have cleaned the gaps between each tooth.
If you are concerned that you will have a difficult time using floss, speak with your dentist about the best ways you can clean between your teeth or what other types of products there are that might be available.
Wearing traditional braces can help fix more than just crooked teeth. You may walk away with more confidence than you knew you had. If you are ready to speak with an orthodontist about getting braces, call your local office, like John Redmond Orthodontics today.