Recognizing The Benefits of Dental Implants

Braces are meant to make your teeth perfect. When you follow your orthodontist's specific instructions, your teeth will not only end up straight, even, and aligned, but they will also be white, clean, and your gums will be healthy. If you do not follow your orthodontist's instructions on the proper care of your braces, it can lead to all of the following added dental expenses.

Cavities in Places Where Cavities Are Not Typically Found

Cavities often develop between teeth and on the surfaces of your molars. Not brushing your teeth, especially not brushing your teeth with braces, will lead you to develop cavities. Because your braces create additional surfaces for foods to stick and hide close to your teeth, you can end up with additional cavities in and on your teeth where you would not normally have cavities (e.g., on the fronts of your front teeth).

This can complicate the orthodontic process, as the brackets and wires may have to be removed temporarily to restore your teeth and fill the cavities. Then the brackets and wires would have to be reinstalled.This may extend the amount of time you will have to wear your braces to correct your teeth, costing you (or your parents) more money.

Gingivitis (Bleeding Gums)

Yes, it is tricky and time-consuming to floss when you have braces. Having to use a special "threader" to pull the floss through each space in your teeth above the braces, floss, and then repeat the process 32 times requires help when you are a kid, and extra hygiene time as an adult. However, it is vital to the health of your gums, and something you would have done anyway prior to getting braces.

You need to keep your gums healthy and prevent gingivitis while your braces are doing their job. You do not want your teeth tp become loose and fall out after your braces are finally removed. That can result in surgery to replace the teeth, and multiple treatments to restore the health of your gums.

Permanent Stains on Your Teeth Where the Brackets Were

A lack of brushing and a lack of use of bracket brush picks results in discoloration of your teeth where the brackets were placed. Brushing can remedy part of the problem, but there is a reason why your orthodontist gives you these funny, bristled brush picks. The picks help remove food that is trapped in the brackets themselves, which then removes the possibility of discoloration due to sugary and acidic foods interacting with the metal of the brackets. Brush and use the brush picks.