Metal and Clear Braces
North Battleford Orthodontics ensures the best quality method of braces for the proper correction of a variety of individual smiles and bites.
We offer both metal and clear braces options.
Bonding braces (brackets) to the teeth for either metal or clear braces is a very simple, easy procedure and is pain-free.
To help you maintain ideal oral health during your treatment, we provide thorough instructions, tools and resources on how to properly cleaning your braces.
There are many types of toothbrushes; power, manual or sonic, that are specifically designed for orthodontic patients. While it is a little more time consuming, it is very important to make sure you floss between your teeth to remove food debris when you have braces.
CLEAR BRACES
METAL BRACES
Life With Braces
Regular Life Activities
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean your life has to change drastically. Actually, braces can now fit your current lifestyle and with proper care and maintenance, you can keep doing the activities you love while your terrific smile develops.
If you have any questions or concerns about specific activities, make sure you talk to your orthodontist so they can provide you with the best option for your lifestyle.
Sports and Mouth Protection
Depending on the sport, you will probably want to wear a lip protector or mouth guard. This will protect the inside of your mouth from cuts from the braces if there is any contact with your mouth. Your orthodontist can provide recommendations on types and benefits of lip protectors and mouth guards.
Musical Instruments
One common question we get is if you can still play a wind instrument. And the answer is YES! Talk with your orthodontist about the type of instrument you play and if you may need a mouth guard or lip protector. Many companies make protectors and guards specifically for this purpose, and some orthodontists can even make a custom solution for you.
Should I Change What I Eat?
We do recommend choosing foods that are softer, and avoiding foods that are hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy. It is also easier to cut or tear food like sandwiches and pizza not pieces rather than biting into them. Right after you get braces or whenever they are adjusted, you may find your mouth is somewhat tender and may prefer food that are easier to eat, such as soup, or macaroni and cheese.
Cleaning your braces – it’s easier than you think!
Braces won’t make it any harder to brush your teeth; you’ll just need a bit of a different style. There are also special toothbrushes, dental floss and water jet/picks that can help you. It is always good practice to brush your teeth and braces after each meal. If you have rubber bands, you’ll just have to pop them off quickly to brush.
To get your teeth and braces clean as a whistle, follow this proper brushing process:
- Use a soft, large head toothbrush and make sure your toothpaste has fluoride.
- Start by brushing each tooth surface. Pay special attention to make sure you’re brushing the areas above, below and between each brace.
- For your top teeth, brush from top to bottom, and brush your bottom teeth from bottom to top.
- Using an interdental toothbrush, scrub any areas that you couldn’t get to with the large toothbrush. Try to brush so the bristles spread out between the braces, wires and rubber bands.
- You should brush each tooth surface about 10 times in the direction outlined above. But do not stress, it usually only takes a few minutes!
Does it really need to be after each meal?
Yes, absolutely – so that you can not only have straight teeth but also have healthy teeth. If you start brushing after every meal at the beginning of your treatment, you will get used to it faster and you will be doing your teeth and mouth a world of good.
Dental floss removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
Flossing is a very important part of good dental practice. To floss, use a dental floss with a reinforced end and thread the floss under the wires. Floss and then thread the floss under the wire for the next tooth. Just make sure you don’t put pressure on the archwire. To finish, you’ll carefully clean around the rubber bands. Don’t worry if this sounds like a lot. Your orthodontist and orthodontic assistants are happy to help you learn the right way.
And there are still more, cool tips for dental hygiene!
Your toothbrush will wear out faster, now that it has more work to do. Make sure that as soon as the bristles fray, you replace your toothbrush.
Another trick that is good for being very visual: Tooth dye tablets will make all tooth surfaces much more visible. Use a dental water jet to spray away any large food pieces before you start brushing.
Professional tooth cleaning
Crystal clear: Regular cleanings are really important, especially when you have braces. Professional tooth cleaning will help protect your teeth and gums. A professional cleaning removes plaque, polishes the surface of your teeth and applies fluoride on your teeth to strengthen them.