Taking Care Of Your Braces
Proper care of your braces and orthodontic appliances is crucial for efficient treatment. Feel free to reach out to our office with any questions or concerns about caring for your appliances. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.
Proper Brushing
Brushing your teeth and braces properly is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Brush the outer surfaces: Use a circular motion to clean the outer surfaces of your teeth and braces.
- Angle your toothbrush: Tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to clean both above and below the braces, reaching between the braces and gums.
- Use a proxy brush or Rotadent: For thorough cleaning between brackets, consider using a proxy brush or a Rotadent.
Following these steps will help keep your teeth and braces clean, promoting optimal oral health throughout your treatment.
How to floss
When flossing with braces, the most effective method is to use an orthodontic floss threader. Here’s how to do it:
Orthodontic Floss Threader: Use the threader to pass floss underneath the wire of your braces. This allows you to clean between each tooth effectively.
Superfloss: Alternatively, you can use superfloss, which has a stiff end designed to navigate around braces and under wires.
It’s important for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment to continue regular dental exams and cleanings as recommended by their general dentist. This ensures comprehensive oral care and helps maintain dental health throughout treatment.
keeping your retainers clean
To maintain hygiene and cleanliness, follow these steps for cleaning removable appliances like retainers, splints, or aligner trays:
Daily Cleaning: Brush the appliance with a toothbrush and toothpaste every time it is removed from your mouth. This helps remove plaque and debris.
Weekly Disinfection: Soak the appliance in denture cleaner once or twice a week to disinfect it thoroughly.
Build-Up Removal: To remove build-up, soak the appliance in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water for several hours. After soaking, scrub the appliance with a toothbrush to clean off any remaining residue.
Rinse Thoroughly: Finally, rinse the appliance thoroughly with water to ensure all cleaning agents are removed before use.
Following these cleaning steps will help keep your removable appliances in good condition and maintain oral hygiene during their use.