I recently got braces. How can I brush my teeth with braces?

Brushing teeth with braces isn’t too different than brushing without braces. It’s still important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and if possible brush after every meal to remove loose food from under brackets and wires. If brushing isn’t an option immediately after a meal, then rinse your mouth out with water to help remove larger food particles. Use a soft bristle toothbrush or electric toothbrush and brush gently for two full minutes. Brush gently so you don’t damage the brackets or wires. You should replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the brackets seem to make bristles wear down faster than usual. Remember to brush around all parts of the teeth, including the fronts, sides, backs, and chewing surfaces. A toothbrush with rounded bristles works well for brushing braces, and fluoride toothpaste is always best, as it helps prevent tooth decay. Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride rinse to accompany proper brushing and flossing. This can help strengthen the teeth even more and keep them cavity-free throughout braces treatment.

I have been told that I need a sinus lift. Is it something I should be concerned about?

The process of a sinus lift isn’t as scary as it sounds. The process starts with a CBCT 3D scan to visualise the bone levels. Then a decision is made whether a crestal (from the tooth side) or a lateral sinus lift (from the side of the sinus) is required. The crestal approach is usually the preferred one now as its less invasive. The actual lift can be done with some light malleting or special drills that push the bone instead of removing it. Then depending on the amount of bone remaining, some bone graft can be added. The entire process can take about 30 minutes in experienced hands. After the sinus lift is done, more often than not we place the implants immediately, provided sufficient native bone is available. Otherwise the implant placement can be delayed by about three months till native bone replaces or grows through the bone graft material. In almost all cases sinus lifting is a fairly non-invasive procedure and is quite pain free in experienced hands. Complications are rare and if they do arise, are usually easily managed.