Are you undergoing orthodontic treatment? Everything you need to know about keeping your braces clean

The success of orthodontic treatment depends largely on how well the patient follows the orthodontist’s advice regarding the cleaning of their braces and their diet.

It is vital that teeth remain healthy during orthodontic treatment through proper cleaning of the braces, so that, ultimately, the patient can enjoy good oral health, free from cavities or damage that might jeopardise their health.

Treatment with braces is recommended by a specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics when a patient requires proper alignment of their teeth, if they are crooked or crowded, or to correct more severe forms of dental malocclusion.

With the help of braces, the teeth are moved in three planes, so that the patient can enjoy a healthy bite and avoid any digestive problems caused by poor chewing. Furthermore, orthodontic treatment helps to prevent tooth decay and ensures an attractive smile, which will help to boost self-confidence.

As for the age at which orthodontic treatment may be recommended, both children and adults can benefit from braces to treat certain conditions, but only following a consultation with an orthodontist.

Any orthodontic treatment is based on a thorough clinical examination. The patient visits an orthodontist to receive a diagnosis.

Once the patient’s problem has been identified, based on a rigorous oral examination and using information from other diagnostic tests, such as digital dental X-rays, a series of measurements will be taken so that the orthodontist can calculate the forces to be applied to the teeth via the braces.

This is followed by the fitting of the braces, which may be fixed or removable; in terms of the material used, they may be made of metal, ceramic, sapphire, Incognito (fitted to the back of the teeth) or removable aligners (Invisalign®).

During orthodontic treatment, visits to the dentist’s surgery are very important. The dentist will check how the braces are working to correct dental irregularities, as well as your oral health, which is influenced by proper dental hygiene.

It is important for patients wearing braces to pay particular attention to oral hygiene, in line with the specialist’s recommendations.

Here are the steps to follow for cleaning your braces:

• It is advisable to brush your teeth in the morning and in the evening, as well as after every meal
• For proper cleaning, you can use manual or electric toothbrushes, interdental brushes, dental floss and a mouthwash
• Brushing should be carried out using gentle movements on, under and above the brackets. The bristles of the toothbrush should reach under the archwire of the braces, and the angle formed by the toothbrush and the gum line should be approximately 45 degrees
• Your dentist will recommend brushing each section of teeth for approximately 30 seconds, using repetitive movements from one end to the other
• Particular attention should be paid to the area between the brackets and the gum line to remove all food debris and bacterial plaque, so that the gums do not become inflamed or bleed when brushing
• Afterwards, use interdental brushes and dental floss. The interdental brushes must reach between the archwire and the bracket to ensure that these surfaces are thoroughly cleaned
• Dental floss is passed under the archwire using a special floss threader and then used to clean the interproximal surfaces of the teeth
• At the end of the cleaning procedure, a mouthwash irrigator is used, with the reservoir filled with water and a capful of mouthwash, or water alone.

In recent years, technology has helped to make orthodontic treatment more efficient and reduce its duration, thanks to the introduction of numerous types of dental braces.

One of the most modern orthodontic treatments is the Invisalign® aligner, an alternative to braces.

It is an innovative, invisible system that helps patients correct malocclusions, gaps or crowding and restore the aesthetics and functionality of their smile.

Dr Maria Taban, senior consultant in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics:

“Orthodontic treatment has a major impact not only on a patient’s oral health, but also on their general health and quality of life. With the help of orthodontic treatment, you can have healthy teeth, chew properly and smile confidently once again. A beautiful smile can also be a guarantee of personal and professional success.”