Brushing and Flossing

Care of Braces (and your smile!)

One of the most common concerns about orthodontics is that orthodontic appliances might cause decay. Actually, the parts of your teeth that are covered by orthodontic bands or brackets are protected from decay, as long as the bands are not loose. The area that tends to cause the most problems is the "shelf" where the brackets, tubes, and wires stick out away from the mouth. This "shelf" makes it harder to clean the spaces between your gums and the orthodontic appliances. If you don't get these areas clean, the gums swell, get puffy and become even harder to clean. Continued neglect of these areas may result in decay, permanent staining or decalcification.

BRUSHING

  • Brush within 5 minutes after every meal. (Easy to say, hard to do! Take a travel toothbrush wherever you go.)
  • Use a soft bristly brush to prevent gum recession.
  • Initially, brush back and forth across the gums, and teeth to remove food particles.
  • Then, brush in a circular motion between the braces and under gums, a few teeth at a time.
  • Brush 10 times in each area before moving on. Scrub the chewing surfaces last.
  • Rinse your mouth and look in the mirror to check the half-moon shaped spaces of the teeth between the bands and the gums.
  • If you still see plaque, brush until they are clean.
  • When you are finished, the bands should be shiny and free of all food particles and white coatings. The half-moon shaped spaces of the teeth should look clean and your gum line should look light pink. If you see red, swollen gums, take special care to massage them with your toothbrush.
  • Electric toothbrushes with a timer, like Sonicare, are excellent tools that make cleaning easier. We highly recommend their use for all orthodontic patients.

FLOSSING

  • Daily flossing is very important!
  • Tie the floss to the end of the floss threader and direct the floss threader under the arch wire.
  • Wrap the ends of the floss around your index fingers.
  • Wrap a "C" Around the tooth and firmly guide the floss along the sides of the tooth under the gum line.
  • Repeat this procedure for each tooth.
  • If you are unable to floss regularly, we highly recommend the daily use of a Water Pik. A Water Pik will decrease the likelihood of damage to your teeth and gums.

FLUORIDE

  • The use of a topical fluoride can aid in the prevention of tooth decay and decalcification (white marks on teeth).
  • Dr. Drobocky recommends that our patients use a fluoride at least once a day while they are wearing orthodontic appliances. We will provide you with instructions on its use when you begin treatment.

VISITING YOUR FAMILY DENTIST

  • It is very important to see your dentist before, during, and after orthodontic treatment.
  • We recommend that you have a thorough cleaning before starting treatment.
  • Follow up with regular cleanings approximately every four (4) to six (6) months.
  • Please remember that your appointments with us do not take the place of your regular dental checkups with your family dentist.
  • If you do not have a family dentist, we would be happy to give you the names of several in your area.
  • For the convenience of your General Dentist and your time we offer the optional service of removing your wires prior to dental cleanings and checkups. Please remind our front desk of your dental checkup, and they will be happy to coordinate your cleaning appointment with the removal of your wires.
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