Traditional Braces: How They Work and How to Keep Them Clean

If you’re in search of a time-tested orthodontic solution to straighten your teeth and perfect your smile, you may want to consider traditional metal braces. Today’s braces are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before! Visit your trusted team at Avalon Dental Care to get on your way to achieving the smile you’ve always desired!

What Are Braces and How Do They Work?

Traditional metal braces offer the most affordable, durable, and effective way to straighten your teeth and perfect your smile. They come with metal brackets that attach to the front of your teeth and flexible wires or archwires that hold the brackets together. Braces often include rubber bands or metal ties that link the brackets to the wire, creating more pressure to help straighten your teeth.

Braces help align your teeth by applying just the right amount of pressure. Underneath the teeth, gums, and bones, there is a membrane that moves in response to the pressure and gradually repositions itself. The bones under the teeth also change in shape, slowly shifting your teeth into the desired position. Once the teeth have moved into place, the bone and tissue grow in the space left behind, which, combined with the use of a retainer, helps preserve your new smile.

What Conditions Do Traditional Braces Correct?

Metal braces can correct almost any orthodontic concern, including gapped, crowded, and severely misaligned teeth. They can also address problems with the bite, including underbites, crossbites, open bites, and overbites. The effectiveness and versatility of traditional braces make them the best option for complicated orthodontic cases.

How Do You Keep Your Braces Clean?

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential for everyone, but especially important if you’re wearing braces. Start your cleaning routine by rinsing your mouth to flush away any loose food particles. Next, angle a soft-bristled brush to remove any food on the top of your brackets and brush along your gums. You’ll also need to brush against the bottom of your brackets upward and brush each tooth, front and back. Make sure to rinse your mouth after every meal or snack to prevent any food particles from being trapped.

Flossing is another important thing you’ll need to do. You can use floss thread or floss picks, whichever you find easier. Make sure to slip the floss under your wires and between your teeth. Don’t tug on the floss when it’s under a wire. Rinse your mouth when done to flush away any loose food debris. An irrigator may also help keep your mouth clean.

Traditional Braces in El Segundo and Lomita

Contact your trusted team at Avalon Dental Care to learn more about straightening your teeth and perfecting your smile with the help of traditional braces. Our team is committed to providing our valued patients with exceptional service for long-term healthy, beautiful smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!