Braces will not clean themselves, and your oral hygiene habits are still necessary. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice per day and flossing as well. However, traditional braces can make flossing difficult. To make sure you can clean your teeth effectively, there are interdental tools designed specifically for braces, as well as alternative tools that can work well too, such as water flossers.

Keep your braces clean includes removing and washing your retainer at least once per week or more if necessary. If your braces should break or a wire gets knocked loose, do not try to fix it on your own. Doing so can increase your risk for an oral accident or potentially damage your teeth even more. Cover the end of any loose wires with a ball of wax and visit your orthodontist immediately.

If you want to experience the joys of an orthodontic aligner system at Rivera Orthodontics, simply call us at 915-592-5853 to schedule an appointment at our orthodontic office in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Jaime Rivera and our team look forward to straightening your smile.

The post What Steps Should You Take to Keep Your Braces Clean? first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

Here are some service reminders to keep your orthodontic treatment at its peak:

– If you should suffer an oral accident which damages your braces, use your orthodontist-provided wax until a visit can be made to fix your braces,
– Always make sure to practice safe and effective oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing your teeth. Use dental tools that are specially designed for braces.
– Always be sure to visit your orthodontist at Rivera Orthodontics for all your regularly scheduled appointments and adjustments. Any skipped sessions could delay your recovery time and hamper your treatment effectiveness.
– If you have a retainer, always make sure it is cleaned adequately.
– Take extra caution when protecting your teeth and braces. If you are doing any strenuous activity, such as winter sports, or contact sports, be sure to wear proper safety gear such as helmets, mouth guards, and face protectors.
– Certain foods and snacks can get lodged between your teeth and braces. If possible, avoid harmful products that can get stuck in these areas.

For more tips and helpful hints to keep your braces at their best, please contact Rivera Orthodontics to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jaime Rivera. Our office is located in El Paso, Texas, and we can be reached by calling us at 915-592-5853. We look forward to shaping your smile!

The post Embrace Your Orthodontic Care Treatment Options first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

Brushing and Flossing While Wearing Braces
Braces and other orthodontic appliances can attract plaque and food, which can stain the teeth if it is not removed. Our orthodontist may recommend brushing your teeth after every meal or snack, to carefully remove any food or plaque that is stuck in your braces. Brush using a soft toothbrush. To clean each tooth, brush down from the top and up from the bottom. Next, use a proxabrush, which is also called a Christmas tree brush, to clean between your braces. Between each set of brackets, insert the brush from the top to the bottom and then from the bottom to the top, using several strokes in each direction. There is also a special procedure for flossing with braces. Insert the short end of the floss between the main arch wire and the part of the tooth closest to the gums. Use a gentle sawing motion to work the floss between the teeth. Be very careful around the arch wire.

Avoid These Foods While Wearing Braces
For those wearing braces, most foods can still be eaten as long as they are cut into small pieces that can be easily chewed. However, some foods can damage braces and should be avoided, including:

– Hard foods that are hard to bite (i.e. apples and bagels)
– Chewy foods (i.e. taffy and caramel)
– Corn on the cob
– Popcorn, nuts, carrots, and hard pretzels

Do not chew ice or bubble gum with braces.

Feel free to contact Rivera Orthodontics today to learn more and to schedule a consultation.

The post How to Brush and Floss During Orthodontic Treatment first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.