Orthodontic care is essential to ensure successful treatment and avoid setbacks that may delay the expected results. Whether it’s traditional braces or invisible orthodontics, the patient’s commitment to hygiene, nutrition and check-ups will make all the difference. From our dental clinic in Malaga we know that a poorly maintained appliance can not only cause discomfort, but also affect the general oral health.
Orthodontic care: the keys
Here are the keys to perfect orthodontic care:
- Meticulous brushing after each meal: with orthodontics, the brushing must be more precise and deep, ensuring that there are no remains between brackets or aligners. Using an orthodontic-specific brush makes cleaning easier without damaging the braces. It’s key to spend at least two minutes per session.
- Use of interproximal brushes and floss: these tools allow access to areas where the conventional brush does not reach. Daily flossing with a threader and interdental brushes helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. Requires practice, but becomes a natural part of the routine.
- Maintaining good oral hydration: dry mouth promotes plaque build-up and may cause appliance injuries. Drinking water often helps maintain the oral flora balance and naturally cleanses the dental surface. It also improves comfort when talking and chewing.
Eating and habits that can damage orthodontics
Another key aspect of orthodontic care is to pay attention to foods that can damage appliances or make cleaning difficult. With traditional brackets, hard products such as whole nuts, candies, gum or crispy bread should be avoided, as they can detach pieces or bend the arches. Caution is also recommended with sticky or overly sugary foods, which easily adhere to appliances and promote the appearance of plaque. In the case of transparent aligners, the greatest care is not to eat with them on. Although it may seem comfortable, doing so can deform the splints and affect the progress of treatment.
Children and orthodontics
Cuando los niños llevan ortodoncia, es fundamental estar atentos a su alimentación, ya que ciertos alimentos duros o pegajosos pueden dañar los aparatos o dificultar su limpieza, como los que hemos nombrado anteriormente. Además, es importante explicarles que una buena salud bucodental es clave para conseguir una sonrisa bonita y funcional. Enseñarles a cepillarse correctamente después de cada comida, usar hilo dental y acudir a las revisiones es parte del proceso. Su colaboración y constancia marcarán la diferencia en los resultados, y si entienden la importancia del cuidado diario, el tratamiento será más cómodo, rápido y efectivo. La implicación familiar también es esencial en esta etapa.
When children wear braces, it is essential to be aware of their diet, as certain hard or sticky foods can damage appliances or make cleaning difficult, such as those mentioned above. It is also important to explain that good oral health is key to a beautiful and functional smile. Teaching them to brush properly after each meal, flossing and going for checkups are all part of the process. Your collaboration and consistency will make a difference in results, and if you understand the importance of daily care, treatment will be more comfortable, faster, and effective. Family involvement is also essential at this stage.
Reviews and commitment for good orthodontic care
Beyond oral hygiene and nutrition, one of the most important cares is to keep a constant follow-up with the orthodontist. Periodic reviews allow you to adjust the treatment, detect possible incidents and make sure that everything evolves as planned. Skipping these appointments or coming late can prolong the process or create unnecessary complications.
It is also essential to follow the specialist’s instructions. In the case of aligners, for example, you should wear the number of hours indicated each day. Failure to do so compromises the effectiveness of the treatment and may alter estimated timeframes. The same applies to removable appliances: although they can be removed, their use must be constant and disciplined.
In Clínica Dental Gross Dentistas we have a team specialized in personalized orthodontic treatments, both for children and adults. We accompany our patients from the first diagnosis to the end of treatment, offering follow-up and advice. Do not wait any longer and get the smile of your dreams with us. Contact us!
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.