You can't have everything, and orthodontic treatment is no exception. After getting braces, oral hygiene often becomes more challenging. If teeth aren't cleaned effectively during treatment, various oral diseases can easily develop, with cavities being a common one. So, how should you care for your teeth after orthodontic treatment?Here's a guide!
Beyond brushing at least three times daily, mastering proper technique is crucial. Follow these steps:
1. Start with the outer surfaces, brushing each quadrant systematically;
2.When brushing the right corner of the mouth, many people overlook the right canine and lateral incisors (commonly known as the small front teeth and fangs) due to incorrect toothbrush grip and head position. To clean this area effectively, turn your head to the right. Use your right thumb to press the middle section of the toothbrush while gripping the handle firmly with your other four fingers. This ensures the brush makes good contact and cleans this section thoroughly.
3. After cleaning the outer surfaces, proceed to the lingual surfaces (tongue-facing sides). Pay attention to the brush angle! When cleaning the lingual surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, position the brush horizontally against the tongue side. Start near the gumline and brush toward the incisal edge, using a rolling motion to dislodge plaque from the tooth surface along the brush's direction of movement.
4. Next, don't forget to clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Position the toothbrush perpendicular to the chewing surface and brush back and forth, starting from the left lower molars;
5.At this point, switch to a small interdental brush (also called an interdental brush). Since a large toothbrush cannot clean behind the braces wires or between teeth, use the interdental brush after the regular toothbrush to complete your cleaning routine.
After orthodontic treatment, mastering effective care methods is essential. Teeth become highly vulnerable post-treatment, making thorough cleaning difficult with standard brushing techniques alone. Try the methods outlined above—they will prove invaluable for maintaining optimal dental hygiene.