Braces create small ledges, nooks and crannies for food deposits, which can lead to cavities and gum problems. This makes brushing and flossing even more important while you are wearing braces. When you brush and floss, handle your appliances carefully so you won’t break or loosen them. Following these brushing and eating tips will keep your appliances and your smile healthy.
Be sure to brush your teeth right after every meal and before you go to bed. It’s best to use a fluoride toothpaste to help fight cavities. Your orthodontist may prescribe a fluoride mouth rinse to help prevent cavities. Try to brush like this:
Because your toothbrush won’t reach between your teeth, brushing alone won’t keep your teeth clean and healthy. Flossing can help. A floss threader, available from us, or a pharmacy, helps you floss with braces on. Floss once a day, like this: Thread floss through the threader and slip it up behind your archwire.
Use a fluoride toothpaste. Doctor may prescribe a fluoride rinse if necessary.
You should be brushing at least three times a day – once at breakfast, at lunch and before you go to bed. If you are not able to brush after you eat, be sure to rinse thoroughly with water, and NEVER skip brushing at night before you go to bed.
While you are wearing braces, you can eat almost all of your favorite foods. Please stay away from these troublemakers:
Without exception, all patients in our practice go through the retention phase of treatment. Retention begins when the braces are removed. If the teeth are not retained in their corrected position, they will begin to move over time. Patients in the retention phase are seen periodically in our office during the first year after braces are removed. After that, please call the office if there is a problem with your retainers.
Typically, a removable retainer is worn full time for the first three months then at night only for the next 9 months. A bonded retainer should be worn permanently. At the end of the first year in retention, patients have concluded their treatment in our office. It is then their responsibility to wear a retainer as prescribed indefinitely. Please call our Wausau office if there are any concerns.
For lasting success from orthodontic treatment: