Oral Hygiene

Why is excellent oral hygiene important during my orthodontic treatment?

 

In order for you to have the best smile ever, it is imperative for you to keep up with your oral hygiene!  Teeth with braces on them need to have special attention paid to them in order to prevent potential problems.

 

These potential problems include:

Cavities                                        Plaque and Tartar Build-Up

Decalcification                             Gingivitis

 These problems not only cause serious damage to your teeth and gums but also delay your treatment—you may need to wear your braces longer!  Problems such as cavities, plaque, and tartar build-up can be fixed by your dentist.  Decalcification spots are permanent and cannot be removed!

Example of poor oral hygiene which occurred during treatment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is easy to avoid these problems as long as you brush your teeth carefully while you are in orthodontic treatment!  Pay special attention to brushing around the brackets, underneath the archwire and your gums.  Don’t forget to floss using your dental floss threaders!  It is up to you to take care of your teeth so your smile is extra beautiful once your braces come off! 

In addition to seeing your dentist every six months for check-ups, learn how to care for your teeth and braces by watching this video.

Note: The video will open in a new window.

Braces Video