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6 Must-Haves For Cleaning Teeth With Braces Or Aligners

Last Updated: 2023-03-28 Orthodontics

If you are with any orthodontic appliance, it is essential to clean your teeth several times a day. There will be times that you're on the go and need to freshen up, and no worries if you get these things prepared. Here are 6 must-haves you'll need for cleaning your teeth on the go.

1. Water

Water is readily available at bathroom sinks. After eating, or after drinking a sugary and/or acidic beverage, if you couldn't find your toothbrush, give your mouth a thorough rinse with plain water could also help. Swish it around to get rid of food particles or traces of beverages. It can even help to decrease the decay-causing acidity of your mouth. A water rinse is not as good as brushing, but it’s much better than not doing any cleaning at all.

2. A Toothbrush

Even without toothpaste, the action of brushing can remove food and plaque and will help you keep your teeth clean and healthy. If you think it's not convenient to carry a toothbrush around, then try a travel toothbrush that only takes up about half the space of a regular one.

3. An Interproximal Brush

It is a remarkable little tool that changes a lot of things. It’s small and portable. It's useful to get at food that’s stuck around brackets, between the archwire and teeth, and in between teeth. It’s effective at attacking plaque, too. The interproximal brush is so handy that you may develop a great appreciation and continue using it after you complete your orthodontic treatment!

4. Floss

Floss is for cleaning between teeth, the space between the archwire and the teeth, and especially under the gumline. If you have braces, make sure a floss threader is stowed with your floss. It means that unless you are using “pre-threaded” floss, pre-cut to length, and with an aglet tip (like a shoelace). If it's too much work for you, try brands that come in single-use packets.

5. A Mirror

A pocket mirror can be handy when you brush your teeth as well as you do the post-brush check. You can also choose an alternative: use the selfie camera on your smartphone.

6. Toothpaste

Just like toothbrushes, you can carry travel-sized tubes around instead. The same stuff in a smaller package will be just as convenient.

Dental Knowledge
6 Methods To Find Free/Low-Cost Dental Implants
Dental Implants
6 Methods To Find Free/Low-Cost Dental Implants

Nowadays, hundreds of millions of Americans are still suffering from tooth loss in spite of the improvements in dental care. No matter what reason is causing the problem, dental implants might be the best solution. To learn more about the implant, read the following facts about it.

1. What Are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are artificial replacements for tooth roots. By providing a strong foundation, implants are used for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth, which are made to match the natural ones.

2. Who Can Get Dental Implants?

In general, anyone who's healthy enough to go through a routine dental extraction or oral surgery could be considered for dental implants. Patients should meet the following requirements:

  • Having healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant
  • Being committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits

Evaluation is required for those who are heavy smokers, suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders (diabetes or heart diseases), or having had radiation therapy to the head/neck area. However, anyone who's considering getting implants should talk to the dentist for professional suggestions on an individual basis.

3. How Painful Are Dental Implants?

During the procedure, most people who have received dental implants consider there is only very little discomfort, which is less painful than a tooth extraction. Besides, patients may use local anesthesia during the process. Mild soreness may be expected after the dental implant, which could be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.

4. What Is The Success Rate Of Dental Implants?

Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% in general, yet it will vary depending on where the implants are placed. If with proper care, implants could last a lifetime.

5. How To Care For Dental Implants?

Just like real teeth, dental implants need the same care, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash as well as regular dental visits.

6. Could Insurance Cover The Cost Of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are not covered by dental insurance in general yet. However, it’s not impossible to receive free dental implants or at least cheap ones. You might want to check your medical plan since implants may be covered under it depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. More detailed questions should be discussed with the dentist and insurance provider on an individual basis.
6 Things You Should Know Before Getting Dental Implants
Dental Implants
6 Things You Should Know Before Getting Dental Implants

Nowadays, hundreds of millions of Americans are still suffering from tooth loss in spite of the improvements in dental care. No matter what reason is causing the problem, dental implants might be the best solution. To learn more about the implant, read the following facts about it.

1. What Are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are artificial replacements for tooth roots. By providing a strong foundation, implants are used for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth, which are made to match the natural ones.

2. Who Can Get Dental Implants?

In general, anyone who's healthy enough to go through a routine dental extraction or oral surgery could be considered for dental implants. Patients should meet the following requirements:

  • Having healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant
  • Being committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits

Evaluation is required for those who are heavy smokers, suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders (diabetes or heart diseases), or having had radiation therapy to the head/neck area. However, anyone who's considering getting implants should talk to the dentist for professional suggestions on an individual basis.

3. How Painful Are Dental Implants?

During the procedure, most people who have received dental implants consider there is only very little discomfort, which is less painful than a tooth extraction. Besides, patients may use local anesthesia during the process. Mild soreness may be expected after the dental implant, which could be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.

4. What Is The Success Rate Of Dental Implants?

Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% in general, yet it will vary depending on where the implants are placed. If with proper care, implants could last a lifetime.

5. How To Care For Dental Implants?

Just like real teeth, dental implants need the same care, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash as well as regular dental visits.

6. Could Insurance Cover The Cost Of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are not covered by dental insurance in general yet. However, it’s not impossible to receive free dental implants or at least cheap ones. You might want to check your medical plan since implants may be covered under it depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. More detailed questions should be discussed with the dentist and insurance provider on an individual basis.
How To Use Medicaid For Low-Income Dental Care?
Dental Insurance
How To Use Medicaid For Low-Income Dental Care?

It is very likely to have dental problems, but getting proper dental service can be quite expensive. Do you know that you may use Medicaid to cover part of your dental bills? Check out things you need to know about the benefit and how you may get low-income dental care.

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a federal and state program that helps with healthcare costs for people with limited income and resources in the US. Meanwhile, it offers some benefits not normally covered by Medicare (another government national health insurance program in the United States).

Although the eligibility for Medicaid varies from state to state, it generally falls into the following categories:

  • Adults with low income
  • Children
  • Pregnant women
  • People with disabilities

* How each category is defined depends on which state it is.

Medicaid Dental For Children

It is mandatory for the government to provide dental help for children from low-income families. All states are required to provide dental benefits to children covered by Medicaid.

Such benefits are listed under the EPSDT (the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment) benefit. So, if a child has Medicaid dental insurance, it means these services are covered:

  • Pain relief and infection treatment
  • Tooth restoration
  • Dental health maintenance
  • Any service that is determined to be medically necessary

Medicaid Dental For Adults

For adults, getting dental help that's covered by Medicaid can be a bit more complex because the eligibility for such benefits is chosen by each state. For better understanding, you may check the detailed Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits Coverage by State.

The Difference Between Medicaid And Medicare

The two programs are both aim to help people with limited conditions when it comes to health issues. However, there are certain differences between the eligibility and coverage of the two programs.

The biggest difference between the two is that Medicaid covers healthcare costs for those with low incomes while Medicare provides benefits for the elderly. As for the specific benefits, please check the official website of Medicare and Medicaid for accurate information.

How To Find Dental Care Accept Medicaid Near Me?

You may check out dental clinics near you first with the directory button below, then simply call an office and ask whether they accept Medicaid or not.