Doing Your Part

Successful orthodontic treatment - a healthy and beautiful smile - is the result of a team effort between you, Dr. Elison, and your family dentist. You as the patient play the key part. Most importantly, you must keep your teeth clean and maintain good dental hygiene while you are wearing braces.

Right now, proper dental care will take a little extra time and effort. But its well worth it, and will help you enjoy the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment.

How often should I brush and floss?

You should brush your teeth, gums, and braces thoroughly at least twice a day until they are spotless. If possible, brush after each time you eat a meal or snack. If brushing is not possible after eating, be sure to at least rinse your mouth well with water until you can brush. Carrying a travel toothbrush can be helpful when brushing away from home.

Flossing should be once a day. This takes a little extra time, so you may want to do it at night before you go to bed.

How do I brush with braces?

• Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft, rounded-bristle that is in good condition. Because braces wear out a toothbrush quickly, replace your toothbrush as soon as you see signs of wear.
  
• Brush around all the parts of your braces and every surface of your teeth- fronts, sides, back. Be sure to brush tongue and roof of the mouth. A good way to tell if you are brushing correctly is if your braces look clean and shiny and you can see the edges of the brackets clearly.
• Brush your gums gently and thoroughly
• Rinse thoroughly after brushing
• Inspect your teeth and braces carefully to make sure they are spotless. Look closely in a well-lighted mirror. This is a good time to check for loose or broken brackets. If you find a problem, contact our office to see if it needs to be checked by Dr. Elison and if time needs to be scheduled to get it repaired.
  

How do I floss with braces?

• When flossing with braces on, it might be necessary to use what's called a floss threader. This reusable tool allows you to get dental floss underneath your arch wire easily
  
• Make sure you clean carefully along and under the gum-lines
• Flossing with braces may seem like a difficult process, but its very important.  And as with anything, a little practice will make it go a lot faster
  

You may also use a inter-proximal brush, a powered toothbrush, a water irrigator, and prescription fluoride toothpaste or rinse to make brushing easier and efficient.

Its important that you take especially good care of your teeth during orthodontic treatment. By brushing and flossing regularly, you'll keep your teeth and gums in top condition and ensure that your orthodontic treatment will deliver the healthiest smile possible. When your braces comes off, you'll see that your extra efforts have been rewarded with a healthy, great-looking smile that's good for life.