Lingual braces are one of the types of fixed orthodontic appliances available to patients who need orthodontic treatment. They involve attaching the orthodontic brackets onto the inside of the teeth. Wire is then used to push the teeth into place, like normal train track braces would.
The main benefit of these braces is that they are hidden, so it’s like you’re not wearing any at all!
So, how do we clean lingual braces? Oral hygiene should be a priority throughout your orthodontic treatment, make sure you take proper care of your teeth and appliance.
Here are some of our top tips:
Practice daily dental hygiene
Whether you have braces or not, you need to be brushing your teeth everyday, twice a day. Brush your teeth and the gum line with a soft, round-bristle toothbrush.
Use the correct tools
As well as brushing your teeth like normal you should also floss. Using dental floss can be tricky when you wear braces which is why we recommend using interdental cleaners. These are ideal for cleaning between tight spaces and are able to remove plaque more efficiently than traditional floss.
Be wary of what you drink and eat
Most foods and drinks should be okay for you to consume when wearing lingual braces. You might want to steer clear of foods that could break your brace like sticky sweets and chewing gum. Drinks like coffee and wine may not damage your appliance but could stain your teeth.
Remove debris right after eating
While the majority of people brush and floss twice a day, cleaning your brace following food consumption is highly recommended. By cleaning out debris with dental floss, there is less time for the food to negatively affect the teeth and the gums.
For more advice or information on lingual braces, get in touch with us here at Oldham Orthodontics.
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