You will be shown the proper care
of your braces when your orthodontic treatment begins. Proper
cleansing of your mouth is necessary every time you eat. Teeth
with braces are harder to clean, and trap food very easily. If
food is left lodged on the brackets and wires, it can cause unsightly
etching of the enamel on your teeth. Your most important job is
to keep your mouth clean. If food is allowed to collect, the symptoms
of gum disease will show in your mouth. The gums will swell and
bleed and the pressure from the disease will slow down tooth movement.
BRUSHING: You
should brush your teeth 4-5 times per day.
Brush back and forth across..between
the wires and gums on the upper and lower to loosen any food particles.
Next, brush correctly as if you had no
brackets or appliances on.
Start on the outside of the uppers with
the bristles at a 45 degree angle toward the gum and scrub
with a circular motion two or three teeth at a time using
ten strokes, then move on.
Next, do the same on the inner surface
of the upper teeth.
Then, go to the lower teeth and repeat
steps A & B.
Look in a mirror to see if you have missed
any places. Your teeth, brackets and wires should be free of any
food particles and plaque.
Note: If your
gums bleed when brushing, do not avoid brushing, but rather continue
stimulating the area with the bristles. Be sure to angle your
toothbrush so that the area under your gum line is cleaned. After
3 or 4 days of proper brushing, the bleeding should stop and your
gums should be healthy again.
FLOSSING: Use a special floss threader to floss
with your braces on. Be sure to floss at least once per day.
FLUORIDE RINSE OR GEL: May be recommended for
preventive measures.
Clean the retainer by brushing with toothpaste.
If you are wearing a lower fixed retainer be extra careful to
brush the wire and the inside of the lower teeth. Always bring
your retainer to each appointment. Avoid flipping the retainer
with your tongue, this can cause damage to your teeth. Place the
retainer in the plastic case when it is re-moved from your mouth.
Never wrap the retainer in a paper napkin or tissue, someone may
throw it away. Don't put it in your pocket or you may break or
lose it. Excessive heat will warp and ruin the retainer.
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the top
ELASTIC CARE
If elastics (rubber bands) are worn intermittently,
they will continually "shock" the teeth and cause more soreness.
Sore teeth between appointments usually indicate improper wear
of headgear or elastics or inadequate hygiene. Wear your elastics
correctly, attaching them as you were told. Wear elastics all
the time, unless otherwise directed. Take your elastics off while
brushing. Change elastics as directed, usually once or twice a
day. Back to
the top
PROPER DIET
Avoid Sticky Foods
such as:
Caramels
Skittles
Candy bars with caramel
Starbursts
Fruit Roll-Ups
Toffee
Gum
Gummy Bears
Candy or caramel apples
Avoid Hard or Tough
Foods such as:
Pizza Crust
Ice cubes
Nuts
Bagels
Hard Candy
Popcorn Kernels
Corn Chips
Cut the following
foods into small pieces and chew with the back teeth:
