Getting braces requires diligence in daily care. Proper supplies are necessary to maintain oral hygiene and prevent common problems like plaque buildup or gum irritation during your treatment. Equipping yourself with the right tools from the start is a proactive measure to ensure your teeth remain healthy and your treatment progresses smoothly.
Essential Daily Cleaning Tools
Oral care with braces requires careful brushing and flossing to remove food debris and plaque. A soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended to be gentle on gums and braces. Specialized orthodontic brushes feature a V-shaped trim to contour around the metalwork. Electric toothbrushes with orthodontic heads are often more effective, using consistent high-frequency movements to clean thoroughly. Always use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel, which is at higher risk of decay when covered by brackets.
Flossing with an archwire demands specialized tools. Floss threaders are simple, reusable tools that allow you to pull regular floss under the archwire between each tooth. Alternatively, Superfloss offers a single strand with a stiffened end for threading, a spongy middle for cleaning the appliance, and regular floss for the gumline. Pre-threaded orthodontic flossers provide a faster, more convenient option for daily use.
Comfort and Pain Management Supplies
Braces often cause initial discomfort and irritation as your mouth adjusts to the new metal surfaces and pressure. Orthodontic wax, made from non-toxic materials like paraffin or beeswax, is used to create a smooth, protective barrier over sharp or rough parts of the brackets or wires. You simply pinch off a small piece, roll it into a ball, and press it firmly over the irritating hardware to shield the soft tissues of your cheeks, lips, or tongue. This wax allows irritated areas to heal until your mouth toughens or your next adjustment.
Minor discomfort associated with tooth movement can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These medications help reduce the soreness that typically peaks a few hours after a new wire is placed or an adjustment is made. For unexpected issues like a poking wire, use a small, sterile tool, like a cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil, to gently push the wire back into a comfortable position before contacting your orthodontist. Topical oral anesthetics can also provide short-term relief to mouth sores or ulcers caused by friction.
Advanced and Supplemental Cleaning Aids
Beyond the essential daily routine, several advanced tools can significantly enhance your cleaning efforts in the hard-to-reach areas created by the braces. A water flosser, or oral irrigator, uses a pressurized stream of water to flush out food particles and plaque from around the brackets and under the archwires. This device is effective at cleaning the entire area quickly and is a gentler alternative for individuals who struggle with traditional string flossing. Many models come with specialized orthodontic tips.
Interdental brushes, also known as proxy brushes, are small, cone-shaped brushes designed to clean the tiny spaces between the wire and the bracket, as well as the gaps between teeth. These brushes are excellent for targeting plaque buildup and removing trapped food particles that a regular toothbrush might miss. Incorporating a specialized mouth rinse provides an extra layer of protection. A fluoride rinse helps prevent decalcification and strengthens the enamel around the brackets, and an antimicrobial rinse can help reduce bacteria and manage gum inflammation.