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Care after dental orthodontics and duration of orthodontic treatment

from Setare Shargh writers team / Khordad 2, 1404

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This article has been reviewed and approved by a medical professional.

Dr. Maryam Ahmadi orthodontic specialist

Care after dental orthodontics is very important; Because these cares not only help to prevent dental problems; But they also play a role in the success of orthodontic treatment and maintaining its results. Neglecting these cares can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and the need for additional treatments. This article describes the different stages of care for orthodontic teeth from the time brackets are installed until after the treatment is completed.

Care before orthodontic treatment

Before starting orthodontic treatment, you must make sure that the mouth and teeth are in good condition to start the treatment. This includes performing any necessary dental treatment such as scaling, restoration of damaged teeth, dental root canals or extraction of unsalvageable teeth. These actions must be done before the start of orthodontics so that the treatment can proceed properly.

Dental orthodontic care

From the moment the brackets are placed on the teeth, oral care enters a sensitive and precise stage. During this period, the patient plays the main role in maintaining health, controlling pain and preventing damage to orthodontic components.

The first day after orthodontic teeth

On the first day after installing brackets, it is completely normal to feel pressure or pain in the teeth. The brackets have just been attached to the teeth and the teeth are experiencing a force that forces them to move for the first time. This discomfort may be accompanied by gum sensitivity or irritation in the inner areas of the lips and cheeks.

What should be eaten on the first day of orthodontics?

At this stage, the diet should be completely soft and without the need to chew a lot. Foods such as puree, strained soup, yogurt, pudding, and ice cream are good choices. Eating hot foods is not recommended because it can damage the composites that hold the brackets. You should also avoid biting food directly to avoid sudden separation of the brackets.

The first three days after orthodontics

The first three days after orthodontics are associated with mild to moderate pain. The teeth are still not used to the applied forces and the applied pressure irritates the nerve fibers around the roots. The use of simple pain relievers such as acetaminophen can help reduce this discomfort. If the patient feels cramping or stiffness in the jaw during this time, do not worry; This is a natural reaction to the beginning of teeth movement.

If necessary and with the doctor's advice, chewing sugar-free gums can also help reduce pressure; Because this increases blood flow in the jaw area and relieves pain.

First week after Dental orthodontics

In the first week, the patient enters a stage where he has to deal with the permanent presence of brackets in his mouth. The lips, cheeks, and tongue may experience minor abrasions or sores from contact with the brackets. Using orthodontic wax to cover the sharp points of the brackets can reduce this problem to a great extent.

During this week, the mouth muscles gradually adjust to the new position, and most patients get over the initial discomfort after a few days. It is important to be patient and calm during this time and fully follow the recommendations of the orthodontist.

Getting used to the brackets and adaptation of the mouth muscles

Brackets are external components that need time to get used to their presence in the mouth. The muscles of the face, lips and cheeks gradually adapt to the new structure. In the first few weeks, talking, eating, or even closing your lips over your teeth may feel a little different; But these changes are temporary and with time, mouth movements will return to normal.

Care of brackets during treatment

Brackets are delicate components that must remain healthy and stable until the end of treatment. If one of them is separated, not only will the treatment time be longer; Rather, the movement of the teeth may happen in an uncoordinated manner and it is necessary to correct their position again. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid any pressure that may damage the brackets.

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Foods that cause brackets to separate

Some foods, especially if they are hard or sticky, can easily cause brackets to separate. Foods such as:

apples and carrots (if bitten)
nuts and nuts
green tomatoes
olives with seeds
pomegranates
sticky chocolates
sugar gums

all are among the things that should be avoided during the period of orthodontics. If you must eat such foods, cut them into very small pieces and chew with your back teeth or find softer alternatives.

Orthodontics

Following care after dental orthodontics can play a big role in soothing orthodontic pain. Painkillers such as acetaminophen are often enough to reduce orthodontic pain. In cases where the patient feels excessive pressure or stiffness in the early hours, a cold compress can be used on the face to reduce inflammation. Also, many experts recommend chewing sugar-free gum to help relax the muscles. This action increases the blood flow in the jaw area and reduces the feeling of pain, provided that the gum is soft and non-sticky and does not put excessive pressure on the brackets.

Care tips for orthodontic teeth

During the treatment period, taking care of oral hygiene becomes more important than ever. Since the wires and brackets limit the access to the dental surfaces, it is necessary to follow the care after orthodontics to prevent decay and calculus formation.

Using an interdental toothbrush and its importance An interdental toothbrush is one of the most important hygiene tools in orthodontics. These narrow toothbrushes with a special design easily pass under the orthodontic wire and provide the possibility of cleaning around the brackets and the spaces between the teeth; Where a regular toothbrush cannot clean. From the first day of treatment, patients are advised to prioritize the preparation of this toothbrush and use it daily.

Using superfloss dental floss during orthodontics

During orthodontics, it is difficult to use ordinary dental floss due to the presence of wires. Superfloss dental floss with a special design allows cleaning the space between the teeth and under the wire. Daily use of this dental floss reduces the accumulation of plaque and food residue and prevents decay in hidden areas.

Using mouthwash during orthodontics

Fluoride mouthwashes can create a protective layer for tooth enamel along with toothbrush and dental floss. These mouthwashes should be used daily or weekly according to the opinion of the doctor or pharmacist. Their regular use helps reduce the risk of caries and keep the mouth fresh during the treatment.

Using orthodontic toothpaste

It is not necessary to use a special brand of orthodontic toothpaste; But the most important point is the presence of fluoride in its composition. Toothpaste that has enough fluoride protects tooth enamel from decay and plays a role in maintaining oral health. The choice of toothpaste should be according to the recommendation of an orthodontic specialist; But there is no need for a special or expensive product.

Time to visit an orthodontist during treatment

One of the key foundations of dental orthodontic care is regular visits to an orthodontist. Usually, these visits are done monthly to check the movement of the teeth, correct the detached brackets and monitor oral hygiene.

Orthodontics

The diet during orthodontic treatment should not only be nutritious and balanced; Rather, it should be adjusted with the aim of protecting the brackets and teeth. Part of the care after orthodontics is related to avoiding foods that can damage the orthodontic components or make it more difficult to clean the teeth.

What should we eat after orthodontics?

In the first weeks and months after the installation of brackets, it is better to choose foods that are soft and require less chewing. Things like soup, soft rice, mashed potatoes, yogurt, pasta, nimru, boiled eggs, porridge and steamed foods are good choices. In addition to this, you should try to eat enough vitamins and minerals to maintain the health of the gums and tissues around the teeth.

Forbidden foods in orthodontics

Some foods during orthodontics can cause the brackets to separate, the wires to bend or get stuck between the orthodontic components. These prohibited foods include the following:

Hard fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, turnips (unless cooked or chopped)
Nuts and nuts
Sticky gums
Stretchy or hard chocolates
Popcorn
Olives with Core
Green tomato
Pomegranate

List of soft foods for orthodontics

During this period, it is recommended to include these foods in the daily diet:

Mild and warm soups (not hot)
Soft rice with light stews
Pasta with simple sauces
Yogurt and Buttermilk
boiled or half-boiled eggs
vegetable or potato puree
pancakes and soft cocos
smoothies and thick drinks

Orthodontic treatment

One of the most important principles in dental care after orthodontics is the complete observance of oral and dental hygiene. If the teeth are not brushed correctly and the dental floss or interdental brush is not used, plaque will form around the brackets and will lead to decay in a short period of time. The decay of orthodontic teeth not only affects the treatment process; Rather, it may be necessary to stop the treatment, remove the brackets, restore the tooth and start the orthodontic procedures again.

In addition, gum inflammation and bleeding, bad breath, and discoloration of the tooth enamel (white spots around the brackets) are other consequences of lack of hygiene. In some cases, gingival analysis and its retreat may even occur, which will be time-consuming and expensive to repair. After the brackets are removed, the teeth tend to move back to their original position. For this reason, correct and regular use of retainer is considered an inseparable part of care after dental orthodontics. Retainers are usually used in two types, fixed and mobile, and their role is to stabilize the new position of the teeth.

Fixed retainer and cleaning Prevention of plaque formation

A fixed retainer is attached to the back of the front teeth using composite and may remain in the mouth for years. Due to the presence of metal wire, this part is a suitable place for mass and plaque accumulation. To prevent decay, the patient should regularly clean this area with small toothbrushes or interdental brushes. Superfloss dental floss also helps to clean the space between the teeth and under the wire. The use of fluoridated toothpaste and regular visits for scaling are also recommended.

Correct use of dental floss in the wire area behind the teeth

In post-orthodontic dental care, maintaining the hygiene of the area where the fixed retainer wire is attached to the back of the teeth is very important. These wires prevent the direct passage of ordinary dental floss, so the only suitable solution is to use superfloss dental floss.

For proper use, first pass the initial hard part of the superfloss floss under the wire so that you can move the spongy (wool) part of the floss between two teeth. Then, gently pull the floss along the sides of each tooth to remove the plaque. The last step is to use the regular thread section to pull the thread up and out. This should be repeated for each distance between the teeth.

The importance of regular scaling after orthodontics

Fixed retainers, especially in the area behind the teeth, are where the mass forms very quickly. To prevent gingivitis, tissue breakdown and bad breath, specialized scaling should be done at least once a year. In clinics such as East Tehran Orthodontic Center these services are provided continuously after orthodontics with regular reminders.

Care of removable orthodontic plates

Patients who use retainers or removable plates must clean them daily. These plaques are in direct contact with saliva, bacteria and food, and if they are not cleaned properly, they themselves become a source of contamination.

The correct method of washing and disinfecting movable plaques

To clean movable plaques, toothpaste should never be used; Because toothpaste scratches the surface of the plaque and creates a suitable environment for the accumulation of bacteria. It is better to use a separate toothbrush with lukewarm water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid. You can also use a solution of water and vinegar for mild disinfection.

Care of Invisalign or removable orthodontics

In the Invisalign or clear orthodontics method, removable plaques are periodically placed on the teeth to gradually move them. Although this method is favorable for many patients in terms of appearance and comfort, its success is completely dependent on the strict adherence to care after dental orthodontics. The first point is the regular and continuous use of plaques. Patients should use Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours a day and remove it only when eating or drinking colored liquids. Each time removing the plate should be accompanied by washing. Cleaning these plaques is also very important. Contrary to popular belief, using toothpaste to wash Invisalign is not recommended. It is better to wash them with lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid or special disinfectant solutions.

Caring for orthodontic movable plate

Movable plates are not limited only to the period after orthodontics; In some jaw and tooth growth treatments, they are also used for children or teenagers. In these cases, it is doubly important to pay attention to care after dental orthodontics, especially in young patients.

Movable plates should be cleaned every day with a soft toothbrush and dishwashing liquid. After every meal, it is necessary to remove the plaque and wash the mouth and teeth. Also, when not in use, the plate should be stored in a special box and avoid placing it in a hot environment or near a heat source, because it may change shape. Most importantly, the use of the plate should be according to the order of the orthodontic specialist; Any reduction in the time of use can reduce the effect of the treatment.

Lingual orthodontic care

In this type of orthodontics, brushing should be done more carefully, because the brackets are not easily accessible. Using an electric toothbrush or toothbrushes with a small series helps to clean the back areas well. Regular use of superfloss and mouthwash is also necessary to reduce the risk of caries and gum inflammation.

Summary

Orthodontic treatment is not limited to installing brackets or using plaque; A large part of its success depends on careful and daily patient care. From the first day to after removing the brackets, following orthodontic dental care plays a key role in oral health, durability of treatment results, and prevention of problems such as caries, gingivitis, or the return of the position of the teeth. If you are looking to start basic treatment, getting advice from Best Orthodontics Clinic in East Tehran can make your decision more certain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we still need to floss after orthodontics?

Yes; Flossing is especially necessary in areas with fixed retainers or teeth that are close together. Superfloss dental floss is the best option for the period after orthodontics.

How long is the retainer or retainer used after orthodontics?

The duration of use is different depending on the dental conditions of each person; But usually the first few years after orthodontics, the use of a permanent or night retainer is recommended.

Do brackets cause tooth decay?

Brackets themselves are not the cause of decay; But if oral hygiene is not observed, the area around the brackets will become a suitable place for plaque and decay to accumulate.

What is the best type of toothbrush for orthodontic teeth?

V-shaped orthodontic toothbrush or interdental toothbrush is the best choice for cleaning around the brackets. Using an electric toothbrush can also help.

Is scaling necessary after orthodontics?

Yes; Especially in fixed retainer areas. Plaque formation occurs faster in these areas and regular plaque removal is necessary to prevent gum diseases.

What should be done if the bracket or orthodontic wire breaks?

You should see an orthodontist as soon as possible to fix the bracket or wire.

Last updated on 26 July 1404 by East Star Writers Team

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