Tooth Care

Brush After Eating

Brush your teeth after every meal and snack. Carry a small toothbrush and toothpaste in a backpack. That way you’ll be prepared.

Think If It’s Right Before You Bite

Don’t put just anything in your mouth. Some objects and foods can loosen or break appliances. So think about these tips before you take a bite:

• Ask if you should remove an appliance and place it in its case when you eat.
• Slice fresh vegetables, fruits, and other hard-to-chew foods before eating them.
• Avoid hard foods like popcorn, nuts, or corn chips. Don’t chew ice.
• Don’t eat sticky foods like gum, caramel, taffy, and gummy candy.
• Cut down on sugary foods and soft drinks. If you do have them, brush your teeth right after.
• Don’t chew or bite objects such as pens, pencils, crayons, and fingernails.

Life Won’t Be Much Different

You’ll be surprised at how quickly you get used to braces and other appliances. Once you do, life will be a lot like it was before. You can still play musical instruments and sports, but you may be told to wear a mouthguard during certain sports. Learn to protect your appliances.

Fixing Loose Wires

If a wire gets loose, gently tuck it back in place with a blunt object. The eraser end of a pencil works well. If you can’t nudge it back, cover it with a piece of wax. Also, if you should break a brace loose after office hours, call the next business day to schedule a repair.

Making Your Teeth Sparkle

Keeping your teeth and appliances clean is a must. Brackets, wires, and bands can trap food. They also provide places for plaque to build up. The best way to prevent problems is to brush after every meal and snack.

Steps For Good Brushing

Always use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush around and under braces, not just over them. After rinsing, check your braces and all of your teeth. If you still see food, brush and rinse again.

Keep Flossing!

A toothbrush can’t clean between your teeth and gums. That’s where floss comes in. Floss your teeth at least once a day to prevent plaque buildup. Flossing can be tricky with braces. But with practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Ask your orthodontic assistant the best way to floss. A floss threader helps get floss under the archwires.

Special Aids

Special products and devices can help keep teeth and braces clean.

• Prescription fluoride toothpaste or fluoride mouth rinse helps prevent tooth decay.
• A rotary or ultrasonic toothbrush may make brushing easier.
• An oral irrigator lets you aim a thin stream of water at hard-to-reach places. (But it doesn’t replace brushing and flossing).

And remember, continue to visit your dentist every six month for a cleaning and check-up!

Tooth Care Instruction Sheets

Below are specific instruction sheets. You may print them if you have lost the instruction sheet that was given to you in the office:

Bionator Instructions

Schwartz  Instructions

Face Mask Instructions

Retainer Instructions

Dual Arch Expander Instructions

Rapid Palatal Expander Instructions

Elastics (Rubber bands)  Instructions

When Your Expander is Removed Instructions

Retainer Instructions for After Your Expander is Removed