Brushing your teeth with traditional braces can prove challenging. However, you can’t neglect this oral hygiene task simply because you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Luckily, brushing with braces need not be as difficult as it may seem. The following guide will help you brush thoroughly despite braces complicating the process. For more information, discuss this topic with your orthodontist or dentist during your next appointment. Depending on the severity of a misalignment, you might even be a candidate for an alternative treatment method, such as clear aligners.

Effectively Brushing Your Teeth With Braces: What You Need to Know

If you have braces, brushing your teeth should involve the following steps:

Rinsing

Rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash before brushing. Doing so is a simple but often surprisingly effective way to remove loose food particles. In fact, it’s wise to rinse your braces every time you eat, even if you’re not able to follow up with brushing at that moment.

Brush the Gum Line

Begin brushing with the gum line. Use a 45-degree angle, and don’t apply excessive pressure, as doing so can cause irritation. 

Brush the Brackets

Brushing when you have braces may take slightly longer than brushing without them. When you have braces, it’s important to thoroughly and carefully brush each bracket to ensure you’ve removed as much debris as possible.

Exercise care during this step! If you apply too much force or move too quickly from one bracket to another, you risk potentially damaging the wires or other such components of your braces.

Adjusting to this step of the brushing process may take some time. However, if you focus on thoroughly and carefully cleaning your brackets one by one, soon you’ll find the task comes as naturally to you as brushing always did.

Floss With a Waterpik

Flossing is a critical step in the oral hygiene process. By flossing, you remove particles and debris that your toothbrush may have been unable to reach. 

However, traditional dental floss could theoretically damage your braces. Instead, consider flossing with a waterpik.

As the name implies, this device uses a thin stream of water in place of dental floss. It’s an effective way to clean hard-to-reach spots without risk.

Additional Dental Hygiene Tips for Patients With Braces

Other ways you may optimize your dental and oral health when you have braces include:

• Try to avoid eating sticky foods that could get caught in your braces. An orthodontist can provide you with more information about foods to avoid during treatment.
• Wear a mouthguard to protect your braces if you play sports.
• Brush both the top and bottom of your brackets for more ideal results.
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, as harder bristles run the risk of damaging your braces.

Again, what’s most important is that you do not neglect brushing and flossing simply because properly doing so with braces may require making adjustments. If you’re having any trouble with these tasks, your orthodontist can answer your questions, helping you master the necessary techniques.

Learn More About Getting Braces in Delmar, NY

At Embrace Orthodontics, our goal is to ensure our patients feel thoroughly comfortable with their treatment and overall oral health when we equip them with braces. Find out what we can do for you by contacting us online today or calling us at 518-439-9339 to request an appointment.

Braces are an orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth and aligns your bite. There are a wide range of orthodontic issues that vary from person to person, and braces can treat most of them. It is common to have crowded or crooked teeth on the bottom, but not on the top. 

Does this mean you only need braces on your bottom teeth? Can you get braces on just your bottom teeth and not the top? Here’s what orthodontists recommend.  

What Are Braces? 

Braces are an orthodontic treatment consisting of metal or ceramic brackets that attach to the front side of your teeth. The brackets are small and square-shaped with spaces to attach to an archwire. The archwire connects all of the brackets on each row of teeth and shifts them into proper alignment. Rubber bands are sometimes used to correct bite misalignment by connecting brackets on the top row to brackets on the bottom row. 

Am I a Candidate for Single Arch Braces?

In rare cases someone may only need braces on the top or the bottom and not both. This is more common in early orthodontic treatment and will often require you to get braces on all of your teeth later on to complete your treatment. An orthodontic evaluation will determine what corrections need to be made and the best way to treat them. 

What Problems May Occur With Just Bottom Row Braces? 

One of the main purposes of orthodontic treatment is bite alignment. The potential problem with getting braces on just the bottom or just the top teeth, is that the teeth may not meet together properly when you bite down once treatment is complete. 

For example, straightening out the bottom teeth to relieve crowding could cause the bottom row of teeth to extend out further than the top row of teeth, resulting in an underbite. Straightening out the top teeth could have the opposite effect, creating a severe overbite. 

Without braces on both the top and bottom teeth, it is difficult to ensure that the bite aligns properly, which is one of the most important aspects of orthodontic treatment. Proper bite alignment keeps the teeth and jaw healthy, helping you avoid damage to your teeth and TMJ symptoms. 

Looking For a Less Noticeable Treatment Option? 

In many cases the reason patients consider bottom braces only is that they are less noticeable on the bottom. If the main concern is appearance, there are other orthodontic treatment options that are more discreet. Clear aligner systems are designed to be discreet, using clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth and are virtually invisible. The aligners gently shift the teeth into proper alignment, also helping the top and bottom teeth meet together as they should. 

Ask an Orthodontist

If you want to find the right orthodontic treatment for you, Embrace Orthodontics can perform an evaluation to assess your needs. We provide a wide variety of orthodontic services including metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and other clear aligner systems. During your initial consultation you will have the opportunity to ask questions and find out everything you need to know before starting treatment. 

Call 518-439-9339 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Getting braces means making a few changes to your regular habits. You may have to eat a little differently and learn some new techniques for keeping your teeth clean. Brushing and flossing is very important while you have braces, because braces tend to trap food and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

The good news is that braces are not permanent. You may only wear them for a couple of years or less. But during your active treatment period, you may need a few extra tools to brush and floss effectively. Here’s a guide to dental hygiene with braces to help you keep your teeth and mouth healthy during your orthodontic treatment. 

Brushing Tips and Tools 

You may be able to effectively brush your teeth with a regular toothbrush, but it can help to have some different shaped brushes. Your orthodontist will provide you with these tools when you first get your braces put on to help you get started. 

• When brushing, it helps to angle your brush so that the bristles reach the area between your brackets and your gums. This is the area that is most likely to develop plaque from food that gets stuck to your braces. 
• Use a smaller brush with a round head to clean food out from under the archwire and around your brackets. 

Flossing Tips and Tools 

Flossing can be a little more difficult when you have braces because the archwire prevents the floss from reaching the gums. Here are some tips and tools to help make flossing with braces easier.

• Floss threader. A special tool can make it easier to get the floss under your archwire. It looks like a sewing needle, but it is made out of plastic and is larger. You thread the floss through the eye of the plastic needle and use the pointed end to get the floss under your archwire. Then you gently wedge the floss between your teeth, making sure to curve the floss around each tooth to reach the pocket between the tooth and gums. 
• Orthodontic flossers. You have probably seen or used the plastic flossers with a string of floss stretched across a u-shaped piece of plastic. Orthodontic flossers are made with a narrow head that makes it easier to get the floss under your archwire. 
• Superfloss. Superfloss is made with a reinforced plastic end, similar to a shoestring. This end works in place of a floss threader to make it easier to thread the floss under your archwire. 

How Important is Flossing When You Have Braces?

It is common to skip flossing with braces because it is a little inconvenient. However, while you have braces you are at a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease due to the excess food that becomes trapped by your braces. 

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film made of food residue and bacteria, that clings to the teeth. When plaque is not removed by brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, it hardens into calculus and is more likely to infect the gums. Flossing is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease, along with brushing. 

Braces Care Tips From Embrace Orthodontics 

Whether you need braces, you’ve just had braces put on, or you’re already into your treatment, braces care is important. The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to improve your dental health, but if you don’t take proper care of your teeth while you’re in braces, the opposite can occur. Learn more about dental hygiene during braces treatment from Embrace Orthodontics. 

Call 518-439-9339 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Braces are an effective way to gently straighten out teeth and fix bite alignment, but one of the downsides of traditional braces is that you have to be careful with what you eat. Certain foods have the potential of damaging your wires and brackets, which can result in slower dental treatment. While you may have to skip out on your favorite foods for a while, doing so will allow you to better straighten your teeth and get your braces off as soon as possible.

So learn from the orthodontic experts here at Embrace Orthodontics and find out the top 10 foods you should avoid to best maintain your braces:

1: Ice

While more of a compliment to your drink than an actual food, ice is actually one of the most common reasons why patients break their brackets. You can have ice in your drink, but make sure you don’t chew on ice cubes while wearing braces.

2: Chewy candy

Caramel, taffy, and similar chewy candy tends to get stuck between your wires. Not only does this make it harder to clean your teeth, but it leads to a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay, which can disrupt your braces treatment.

3: Hard candy

Jawbreakers, lollipops, and other hard candy are devastating on brackets and wires. Avoid hard candy as much as possible, and if you do find yourself eating them suck on hard candy until it is soft before even trying to chew on them.

4: Other sticky foods

This can include gum, fruit snacks, peanut butter, and other foods that tend to get stuck in your teeth. Sticky foods tend to cling to brackets, and if you aren’t careful can rip them apart if you eat too much sticky and gummy foods while wearing braces.

5: Popcorn

Popcorn is a perfect snack for movies, but you may have to abstain from popcorn for a while if you don’t want to damage your braces. The husks are particularly bad, and once they get stuck between your teeth and braces they can be irritating and even lead to gum infection.

6: Corn

Similarly, regular corn isn’t much better, especially when it is on the cob. If you do want to enjoy corn, make sure you cut it off the cob or buy it in small pieces. Cooking corn without popping it can also make it less likely to damage your brackets and wires.

7: Large apples

Apples are a healthy snack, but if you just bite into one you run the risk of damaging your wires and brackets. Cut apples into small, easy to consume pieces in order to stay healthy while protecting your braces.

8: Crunchy and chewy foods

There is a long list of chewy and crunchy foods that fall into this category, ranging from chips and tacos to jerky and even thick bread. As a general rule, the harder you have to chew in order to eat a food, the more likely it is to damage your braces.

9: Nuts

Nuts fit into the above category of crunchy foods, but they cause so many brackets to break we felt they deserved their own special mention. When wearing braces, avoid pistachios, almonds, peanuts, and other hard nuts as much as possible. 

10: Tobacco

While it isn’t strictly a food, tobacco and similar carcinogens deserve a mention because of the impact they have on your oral health. If you want to protect your teeth and braces, you should avoid tobacco, vaping, and other smoking activities as much as possible.

Get braces from Embrace Orthodontics

Whether you’re looking for braces for your child or yourself, patients near Delmar, New York should consider getting treatment here at Embrace Orthodontics. Alongside traditional braces, we’re also a provider of clear aligners, which can straighten your teeth but can be removed so you can eat all of your favorite foods. For those with traditional braces, we’ll do our best to monitor your progress and make corrections so you can complete treatment as fast as possible.

Contact us today if you have any questions, and we look forward to seeing you here at Embrace Orthodontics for braces in Albany County.

Braces are one of the best orthodontic treatments for children who want to grow up with straight teeth. But did you know that many adults are now turning to braces to correct their teeth, jaws, and other oral issues? Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as being too old for braces. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists report that a quarter of current orthodontic braces patients are adults.

Unsure if braces are right for you? We here at Albany Country Braces are happy to explain a few key facts about modern adult braces treatment in order to help you make your decision. Learn about modern braces options, treatment time, and more to help you decide if adult braces are right for you:

Fact #1: Braces are more affordable than ever

One of the reasons why many adults are now considering braces despite not getting them when they were younger is due to the cost. Fortunately, modern innovations and treatment options have made braces more affordable than ever. While total cost will still vary, braces treatment may be as little as $3,000 to $5,000.

You may spend even less depending on your insurance coverage. While state insurance and Medicaid rarely cover adult braces, many employer and individual dental insurance plans do offer coverage for adult braces. Be sure to consult your orthodontist and your insurance company to find out if braces are a covered option for you.

Fact #2: There many braces options to choose from

Many adults skip braces because they don’t like dealing with the bulky, ugly traditional metal brackets. If you don’t mind paying extra, you can enjoy braces treatment but hide what you’re wearing with modern clear and ceramic colored brackets. While they are still visible, they are much harder to see compared to older traditional brackets, making it more comfortable for adult patients who want to straighten their teeth.

If you want to avoid metal brackets altogether, you should consider clear aligners. Aligners are removable trays that gently straighten your teeth like braces, but are translucent so others can hardly tell you’re wearing them. You can also take them out when you need to eat, play sports, or perform a major speech at work. If you want straighter teeth but hate how braces look, you should consult your orthodontist about clear aligners.

Fact #3: Length of treatment can vary

The one major negative to getting orthodontic treatment done as an adult instead of as a child is the treatment time. Braces work in conjunction with child growth, allowing for accelerated treatment time. Because adult jaws are largely settled, treatment times will usually take longer, and may even require some surgery to correct severe issues.

For the average adult patient, expect between 18 to 36 months to complete braces treatment. Maintaining your oral hygiene, attending your scheduled appointments, and following all of the instructions provided by your orthodontist can accelerate treatment time.

Get adult braces from Embrace Orthodontics

Are you a resident of Delmar, New York? Whether you need braces for yourself or your children, consider getting treatment from Embrace Orthodontics. Our team is happy to provide braces for patients of all ages, including clear aligners for those who want to avoid traditional braces. If you want to learn more about how braces can improve your smile, be sure to ask about our digital impressions 3D modeling software so we can show you how your smile can improve.
Contact us today if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you here at Embrace Orthodontics.

From improved oral health to an enhanced appearance, braces offer many undeniable benefits.

Braces can correct misaligned teeth and bite problems, making it easier to clean your teeth and reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. They also improve the appearance of your smile by straightening crooked teeth, closing gaps, and correcting other cosmetic issues. Braces can even improve digestion by aligning your teeth and jaws properly.

How do you know if you need braces? In this article, we’ll cover the basics, along with what to expect from your orthodontic visit.

When to Consider Braces

The decision to get braces should be made in consultation with an orthodontist who specializes in correcting misaligned teeth and jaw problems. However, some signs may indicate that braces may be necessary, such as:

• Crowded or crooked teeth: If your teeth are crowded or crooked, this can affect your ability to bite and chew properly and may also make it difficult to keep your teeth clean.
• Overbite or underbite: An overbite or underbite occurs when the upper or lower teeth protrude too far in front of the opposite teeth. This can lead to issues with chewing, speaking, and even breathing.
• Gaps between teeth: If you have large gaps between your teeth, this can affect your bite and make it difficult to chew properly.
• Jaw pain or clicking: If you experience jaw pain or clicking, this may indicate a problem with your bite or jaw alignment that can be corrected with braces.
• Speech problems: If you have difficulty speaking properly due to misaligned teeth or jaws, braces may be necessary to correct the problem.

Generally, it is recommended that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. We typically see patients around the ages of 8 and 9 whose adult teeth are not fully showing. However, the adult teeth are visible on x-rays and from there, the orthodontist can evaluate them.

What Happens at an Orthodontic Visit

At an orthodontic visit, the orthodontist will evaluate your oral health, examine your teeth and jaws, and discuss any concerns you may have about your teeth and bite. The following are some of the steps involved in an orthodontic visit:

• Examination: The orthodontist will examine your teeth, jaws, and bite to determine if any issues require treatment.
• X-rays: X-rays may be taken to get a better view of your teeth and jaws and to help the orthodontist develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Digital Scan: The orthodontist may take scans of your teeth which  will be used to help the orthodontist determine the best course of treatment.
• Treatment plan: Based on the examination and x-rays, the orthodontist will develop a personalized treatment plan that may involve braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances.
• Discussion of treatment options: The orthodontist will discuss the treatment plan with you and explain the pros and cons of each option, so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
• Cost estimate: The orthodontist will provide you with an estimate of the cost of treatment and discuss payment options.
• Follow-up: After your initial orthodontic visit, you will need to schedule regular appointments with your orthodontist to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.

Overall, an orthodontic visit is an opportunity to get a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health and discuss your options for improving your smile and bite. The orthodontist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle.

Orthodontic Treatment in Delmar, NY

Having braces is not just about improving your smile; it’s also about improving your overall dental health! At Embrace Orthodontics, we specialize in orthodontic treatment to align and straighten teeth to improve appearance and form, and function by correcting malocclusions and other imperfections of the teeth and jaws.

Your first visit will begin with a consultation with Dr. Palermo to review the best treatment alternatives for your orthodontic care. Our team will explain the treatment process and will be happy to address any questions you may have regarding your treatment plan. To get started, contact us at 518-439-9339 for a free consultation or to schedule an appointment.