Care & Use
Care & Use of Your Orthodontic Appliances
Taking Care of Your Braces and Invisalign
Proper care of your orthodontic appliances is key to ensuring your treatment stays on track and your smile looks its best. Whether you’re wearing braces, Invisalign, a palate expander, or another device, following these guidelines will help you achieve the best possible results.
Braces Care
Braces require special attention to keep them clean and effective. Here are some essential tips:
Brushing & Flossing:
Brush after every meal and floss daily using special orthodontic flossers or a water flosser to remove food particles around brackets and wires.
Avoid Sticky & Hard Foods:
Stay away from chewy candies, gum, and hard foods like nuts or popcorn that can damage your braces.
Check for Loose Wires:
If a wire comes loose or a bracket breaks, contact our office immediately for a repair.
Wear Elastics as Directed:
If you’ve been given elastics, wear them consistently to ensure your teeth move properly.
Invisalign Care
Invisalign aligners are easy to maintain but require consistent care for the best results:
Wear Aligners 20-22 Hours a Day:
Only remove them for eating, drinking (except water), and cleaning.
Clean Aligners Daily:
Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush.
Avoid Hot Water:
Never clean your aligners with hot water as it can warp the plastic.
Store Aligners Safely:
Always keep your aligners in their case when not wearing them to avoid losing or damaging them.
Other Orthodontic Appliances
In addition to braces and Invisalign, you may be using other appliances that require special care:
Retainers:
Wear your retainer as directed and clean it with cool water and mild soap. Always store it in its case when not in use.
Elastics:
Wear your elastics consistently and replace them daily. Always carry extras with you.
Headgear:
If prescribed, wear your headgear as instructed. Remove it during meals and sports activities.
Palatal Expanders:
Turn the key as instructed by Dr. Barrett and maintain good oral hygiene around the appliance.
Dealing with Discomfort
It’s normal to feel some discomfort when you first get braces or switch to a new Invisalign tray. If you experience severe pain or an appliance issue, contact our office right away. To manage soreness:
Use Orthodontic Wax:
Apply wax to any areas causing irritation.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief:
Use mild pain relievers like ibuprofen if needed.
Rinse with Warm Salt Water:
This can soothe sore gums and cheeks.
Emergency Care
Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but if you have a broken wire, loose bracket, or lost retainer, give us a call immediately. We’re here to help resolve any issues quickly to keep your treatment on track.
Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions about caring for your orthodontic appliances, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team at Aubrey Barrett Orthodontics is always here to ensure your treatment goes smoothly and your smile stays on point!