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Braces Basics: Caring for Your Teeth at Home

A close-up view of a toothbrush featuring green and white bristles, highlighting its design and color contrast.

Caring for your braces doesn’t have to be daunting! At Burlingame Smile Studio, Dr. Lee is here to help you maintain excellent oral hygiene while wearing braces. Follow these essential tips to keep your teeth and braces clean and healthy.

Maintain Your Dental Hygiene

  • Brushing: Brush your teeth and braces frequently using a gentle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If you have metal braces, brush the brackets and wires thoroughly. For Invisalign, remove your aligners and brush your teeth and aligners.
  • Flossing: Daily flossing is crucial. Use a floss threader to navigate around the wire with metal braces, or simply remove your aligners to floss normally with Invisalign. This prevents plaque buildup and bad breath.

While regular visits to our office are vital, maintaining your braces’ cleanliness is your responsibility!

Regular Check-Ups

Inspect your braces weekly for loose or broken components. If you notice any issues, call our office to schedule an appointment. Providing specific details about the problem will help us prepare for your visit.

Managing Soreness

After getting braces, some soreness is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil can help. If you experience irritation, use orthodontic wax over any bothersome brackets or wires. If discomfort persists, please reach out to us.

Wearing Elastics

If Dr. Lee prescribes elastics, wear them consistently and change them daily. Remove them while brushing, and keep extras on hand in case one breaks. Following these guidelines will help speed up your treatment.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with diligent care, issues can arise. Here’s how to handle some common problems:

  • Loose Band or Bracket: Contact us for repairs and save any detached parts.
  • Poking Wire: Tuck it in with a pencil eraser and cover it with wax if needed.
  • Soreness: Rinse with warm salt water and take pain relievers as directed.

We’re Here to Help!

Thank you for choosing Burlingame Smile Studio for your orthodontic care. If you have questions about your braces or at-home care routine, our friendly staff is always here to assist you. Let’s work together to achieve the beautiful smile you deserve!

Contact Dr. April Lee at Burlingame Smile Studio we serve Burlingame, CA, Hillsborough, and Millbrae.

(650) 231-2680

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1740 Marco Polo Way Ste 12
Burlingame, California
94010

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