Orthodontics will transform your smile, but if you’re going through orthodontic treatments, oral hygiene should be top of your priority list.

Orthodontics is a form of dentistry that often demands the use of braces. Braces have evolved from the hefty metal contraptions dubbed ‘train tracks’ – it’s possible to use invisible braces now in orthodontics. But aside from aesthetic concerns, orthodontics raises questions on oral hygiene.

Orthodontics and Dental Hygiene

Oral hygiene should be an important thing for everyone, regardless of whether you need orthodontics or not. But if you’re one of the many patients that need to wear braces as a result of orthodontics, your teeth could be vulnerable – and it’s more important you take good care of your teeth to prevent any problems. Good dental hygiene is often enough for most people to prevent problems such as decay, fillings or plaque. Orthodontics however isn’t about whether or not you have poor hygiene (which can be the case in regular dentistry), but about fixing physical problems with your teeth or jaw because of misaligned teeth or overcrowded gums. Once you’re wearing braces however it can be harder to keep your teeth clean.

Oral Hygiene Kit

In some cases, it might be recommended you use an oral hygiene kit before orthodontic procedures to help prime your teeth. A typical oral hygiene kit includes an electric, or manual toothbrush, floss and mouthwash. It may sound basic, but plenty of people don’t know how to brush their teeth properly or don’t even bother to floss. If you are undergoing orthodontics, it’s worth seeing a dental hygienist to help. It’s only possible to undergo orthodontics if your oral health is good enough to do so.

Orthodontics and Braces

There are certain foods you’ll need to avoid if you’re undergoing orthodontics – wearing braces makes certain foods difficult to eat – hard foods like apples for example will need to be cut up and chewy sweets like toffee are a definite no-go area. It’s worthy following basic dietary guidelines on avoiding tooth decay while undergoing orthodontics and wearing braces – the risk of tooth decay is something you need to avoid, so stopping sugary fizzy drinks and sweets are good. Once you have your braces fitted, you will be advised by your orthodontist on how to clean them. You’ll be given an orthodontic toothbrush and brushes to help clean around brackets and under wires. Oral hygiene is important as braces can cause food traps – which could trigger plaque.

Speak to the Harley Street Dental Studio

At the Harley Street Dental Studio in Central London, renowned dentist Dr Mark Hughes and his team of highly trained clinicians offer outstanding care and attention to their patients. Favoured by celebrities of the sporting and entertainment worlds, the clinic offers cosmetic dental treatments including dental veneers, tooth whitening, porcelain crowns, amalgam-free fillings and clear braces. It offers the very latest dental products such as Enlighten™, MACVENEERS™, Invisalign@, DaVinci Veneers™, and ZOOM!@ Whitening. With luxurious surroundings and a technically advanced clinic, the Harley Street Dental Studio will help reinvent and rejuvenate your smile with style. To discuss your dental needs or make an appointment, contact the studio on 020 7636 5981 or fill out the online contact form.