Interdental Toothbrushes and Your Braces: What to Know  

When you have braces in Franklin, TN, there’s a lot to learn about. You have to know how to care for your appliance as well as how to care for your teeth, which can ultimately be a lot to handle. The good news is that there are some solutions out there that can help you do both in one fell swoop. We’ll look at whether interdental toothbrushes are a good bet to protect your pearly whites. 

What Is an Interdental Toothbrush?

Interdental toothbrushes are specially designed to go where a regular toothbrush can’t. They are technically brushes, but they’re small and made to go between the teeth and the brackets of your braces. (They look a little like if you put a bottle brush in a shrinking machine.) These devices are great for anyone, but orthodontic patients may find them especially helpful because they’re able to move easily around the wires.

Tips for Using an Interdental Brush (IDB)

You should talk to an orthodontist in Franklin, TN first if you want to know which size will be best for your mouth. There are a variety of options on the market today, so it helps to get one that is correlated for your braces and teeth.

Here are a few tips for using an IDB with your braces:

• Use it once a day after brushing your teeth.
• Use the brush on the wires. When passing it, move the brush up and down to scrape off any food or debris.
• Use the brush between your teeth.
• Rinse after use.

IDBs can look a little intimidating at first, but they’re actually pretty easy to use. They have a high patient compliance rate, and they’re a safe device for you and your teeth.

Orthodontists in Franklin, TN

If you want to learn more about how to care for your teeth when you have braces (or if you’re interested in learning more about the types of braces available), Cool Water Orthodontics can give you the scoop. While the bracketed braces are great for moving your teeth around, there may be less intensive ways to get the same results. Contact us today to learn more about your options and how they can ultimately improve your smile.