If you have had braces or currently wear them, then you know what an adjustment it can be. There are a few new habits that you will need to learn to reach the sparkling smile you’ve been dreaming of. Thankfully, there are a few products that you can pick up along the way that will make things easier for you!
When you are learning about your braces, you can trust the team at Moffett & Walley Orthodontics to guide you throughout your orthodontic treatment! We have been coaching our patients on the best approach and products to keep their teeth healthy, pain-free, and clean throughout the course of treatment, despite which methods they choose!
Keep reading to learn about products that might help you or your child succeed in orthodontic treatment!
Why You Might Need Special Products
First things first, know that each person’s treatment experience will be totally unique. Depending on the type of treatment that you need, how your mouth is shaped, what kind of activities you like, and your pain tolerance will all impact which products you might end up using. Some people use just about every product out there, and some people use almost nothing, so go into your own experience with an open and experimental mind to see what works for you and what you won’t need.
As a baseline, we have sorted orthodontic products into two categories: braces and aligners. While there are a wide variety of different types of braces and aligners that your doctor might recommend, the products below will typically be useful across all the braces or aligners in that category!
Products for Clear Aligners
Cleaning Solutions
Keeping your retainer clean is an important part of your oral and orthodontic health! If you are wearing Invisalign aligners, you will need to be sure to brush them thoroughly at least once a day with a toothbrush and an antibacterial cleanser like mouthwash or hand soap.Â
Despite regular cleaning, you may notice some grime or buildup in your retainer. This happens naturally through the mineral deposits in your saliva, and thankfully can usually be managed through a cleaning soak. We recommend Polident or another denture cleaner that you can find at a local pharmacy. There are many retainer-specific cleaners as well that should work! Just soak your retainers as instructed and give them a light brush afterward to return them to a sparkling clean state!
Storage Cases
Keeping your retainers safe and accounted for is priority one! Since Invisalign retainers need to be worn at all times except when eating and drinking, you will need to store them easily during meals and pop them back in afterward. We recommend having several cases, one for each bag, or backpack, so that way you will never be without a case when you need it, no matter where you are!Â
Products for Braces
Wax
If you have experienced the irritation that brackets can sometimes cause to the sensitive inside of your cheek, then you know just how essential wax can be! Wax is a simple and easy solution to put over places of irritation to soothe your mouth.Â
With clean hands, pinch off a small piece of wax and roll it between your hands for a few seconds to warm it and soften it into a small ball. Then press the ball against the bracket in question. Be sure to remove the wax before eating or drinking, and you may need to replace it several times a day until your mouth has adjusted to the offending bracket. Of course, get in touch with Dr. Moffett if the pain persists!Â
Floss Threader or Water Flosser
Flossing is a challenge for many people, especially those with braces. Flossing isn’t difficult to accomplish, but a bit more tedious than some people may like. Thankfully tools like a floss threader exist to help pull floss underneath each wire, making it easier to floss. Just guide the flosser beneath each wire, one at a time, and floss that tooth. With a bit of practice, it should become a habit in no time!
Other people prefer a flossing alternative–the water flosser! A water flosser is a device that pushes a fine stream of water between each of your teeth. This works effectively to remove the plaque and food particles that floss would reach, and doesn’t require weaving beneath wires to do so! Water flossers can be purchased fairly affordably in stores or online, and are easy to use. Give one a try if you struggle with flossing but still want to keep your teeth in great shape!
Electric Toothbrush
An electric toothbrush is a great option for people who wear braces. The automatically spinning head of the toothbrush can give it a bit more power to brush around those hard-to-reach places under wires and around brackets. If you are struggling to keep your teeth and braces as clean as you should, try out an electric toothbrush and see how much easier it can be!
Get Started with Moffett & Walley Orthodontics!
Get Started with Are you ready to start your own orthodontic journey? If you live in the Clinton or Madison areas, we would love to support you in finding the smile of your dreams! Treatment can start right away, so go ahead and schedule your free assessment appointment. We hope to see you in our office soon!