WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR TEETH TO LOOK LIKE WHEN YOUR BRACES COME OFF?
IT'S IN YOUR HANDS!
TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN MAKE SURE YOUR TEETH LOOK GREAT READ BELOW
The Problem:
Braces that are not properly brushed and a diet that is high in acidic and sugary foods can contribute to tooth decay. It's not worth having straight teeth if they have decalcification (the white spots you see on the picture on the left) and decay on them. We need your help in making your smile beautiful and cavity-free.
The Solution:
Braces that are not properly brushed and a diet that is high in acidic and sugary foods can contribute to tooth decay. It's not worth having straight teeth if they have decalcification (the white spots you see on the picture on the left) and decay on them. We need your help in making your smile beautiful and cavity-free.
The Solution:
- Frequent Brushing: It is recommended to brush after every time you eat.
- Careful Brushing: Brushing your teeth without braces should take about 2 minutes. Brushing your teeth with braces can take longer. Start on the top right in the back and work your way to the top left, then drop to the bottom left and work your way to the back on the bottom right of your mouth for each of these steps.
- First, brush the front surface of the teeth back and forth, trying to get between the brackets and the wires. Brushing at a 45 degree angle from the top of the tooth and bottom will aid in getting between the brackets and wires.
- Second, do the same thing on the inner surfaces of the teeth.
- Third, brush the chewing surfaces (tops) of the teeth.
- Finally, massage your gums and tongue gently with the toothbrush.
- Recommended Aids:
- Any type of soft toothbrush will do, but sometimes an electric toothbrush may aid patients.
- Flossing is very difficult with braces, but is necessary. During treatment floss aids are very helpful (ex. floss threaders, Platypus flosser, Waterpik)
- To help keep teeth strong, an effective toothpaste and mouthrinse are recommended (ex. ACT).
- To help children or adults see the spots they are missing, a plaque staining agent may be useful (ex. Agent Blue).
- These recommended aids may seem like a lot, but they can save you or your child expensive trips to the dentist.