Preparing for Braces

Preparing for braces requires some planning to make sure that your teeth are healthy before treatment and stay healthy throughout treatment as well. Your dentist is an equal partner in your orthodontic journey and should be seen every six-months.

The first thing that you should do before getting braces is have a thorough check-up with your dentist. Any issues that need to be addressed will benefit most from being done prior to having braces applied to your teeth. A regular exam will show any cavities that need to be filled along with any other problems that need to be addressed. You should also plan on having your teeth cleaned so that braces can be applied without any built-up plaque on the teeth.

Dr. David Taylor, a top orthodontist in the South Texas area at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, states, “We recommend all of our patients to have a thorough teeth cleaning and exam completed before getting braces. If patients don’t do this, decay can form (or get worse) once braces are applied to the teeth.”

In the case of patients who have over-crowding issues, tooth extractions may be needed to prepare the mouth for braces so that there’s enough space for the teeth to move into. Your dentist will work with your orthodontist to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding your treatment plan.

See Your Dentist Every Six Months During Your Braces Treatment

It is equally important to see your dentist every six months after you have your braces for a full exam and a regular cleaning. Cavities may form in the nooks and crannies that braces may hide and your dentist will easily be able to spot these and get them addressed before they progress any further.

You can use a regular toothbrush with braces but it also helps to have one specifically designed for braces in order to get into the cracks and crevices that might not be reached otherwise. There are also other types of floss that may be needed to navigate around braces. Amazon offers several different options for both toothbrushes and floss.

We also recommend that curb sugary and starchy foods especially during your orthodontic treatment since sugar leads to cavities. Additionally, brushing after every meal should become a habit so as to remove any hidden food particles that might be lurking behind your braces.

Lastly, make sure that you avoid whitening toothpaste while you have your braces. The whitening agents in this type of toothpaste will not reach the part of the tooth that the brackets are adhered to and won’t bleach those areas, which may cause teeth to look discolored after the braces are removed. It’s better to wait until after you have your braces removed to address any whitening concerns.