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How Do I Take Care of My Dental Braces?

When your mouth is loaded with extras like bands, brackets, and wires, from your orthodontic braces, brushing your teeth gets tougher and extra important. Plus, dental braces interfere with the chewing process that normally bathes and exercises gums, and helps clean teeth. General dental care like caring for your teeth and keeping them cavity-free, is a top priority during orthodontics treatment.

While proper-fitting bands or brackets usually protect the covered portion of your teeth, the brackets and wires on the outside of teeth make it harder for proper dental care.

Trapped food particles and plaque are a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria in your dental braces. Gum disease also can develop, causing swelling and making cleaning even more challenging and painful. Improper dental care can also stain tooth enamel.

How Often Do I Need to Brush With Dental Braces?

It's best to brush within five minutes after eating anything, even if you're just snacking, and especially after a meal. Brushing away cavity-causing bacteria helps keep your teeth cavity-free. Carry a travel toothbrush in a backpack, purse or briefcase to always have on hand for brushing away from home.

How Do I Brush With Dental Braces On My Teeth?

• Brush between wires and gums to loosen any food particles that may have lodged in your dental braces. There are special toothbrushes for this, check with your orthodontist or dental care provider for recommendations.
• Start on the outside of your upper teeth, positioning the bristles at a 45 degree angle, toward the gum. Brush two to three teeth at a time using a circular motion, about ten strokes.
• Next, brush the inner surfaces in the same manner.
• Brush the chewing surfaces.
• Repeat the same process for the lower teeth as for the upper ones.
• Rinse your mouth as well as your toothbrush. Check your teeth in a mirror to make sure you've brushed all tooth surfaces.
• Floss daily between dental braces using a floss threader.
• Toothpicks, stimudents and other interdental devices work well under brackets.

You may also want to use a water oral hygiene device that helps to remove food particles from your dental braces that the toothbrush may not reach. It should be used in addition to brushing and flossing, not as a substitute for brushing.

While wearing dental braces for teeth, be sure to schedule regular dental care exams every three to six months for cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Ask your dentist and orthodontist how often they wish to see you.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Learn About the Cost of Braces from a Dentist or Orthodontist

When contemplating orthodontic treatment, the cost of braces can be a major concern. Though there's plenty of variation depending on where you are and what sort of treatment you want, on average, dental braces cost about $5,000.

Dental insurance does not always cover orthodontics. Some dental plans may offer supplemental orthodontic insurance plans. If you are insured, you should check with your insurance carrier to see if they will cover getting braces.

In general, teen braces tend to be the most affordable braces option. (Since teens' teeth are still developing, it can be technically easier to straighten crooked teeth.) Adult braces can cost a little more, especially if you choose cosmetic dentistry options like invisible braces or ceramic braces that have tooth-colored ceramic brackets.

"Clear braces" are a popular choice. Invisalign braces are not actually braces per se; they are clear plastic aligners that straighten teeth. Patients get a progressive series of aligners that move crooked teeth into the desired position. Cosmetic dentists and their patients often prefer the look of Invisalign. The average Invisalign cost is about the same as for adult braces.

Your braces expense will also depend on what sort of braces dentists you see. Orthodontists tend to charge about $600 more than general dentists for orthodontic work. While a general dentist may be fully qualified to offer braces, an orthodontist will have completed several extra years of study, and will be capable of handling more complicated orthodontia.

The cost of dental braces varies by region. Orthodontic treatment costs the most in the Northeast, the Pacific states, and Canada. Affordable braces can most easily be found in the Western mountain states. In addition, urban dentists charge more for orthodontic treatment than do suburban or rural doctors.

Whether it's for yourself or your child, getting braces is a big choice, and can be a significant expense. But in the long run, straight teeth are a priceless reward.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.