Caring for Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment
Taking care of your teeth during orthodontic treatment is one of the best ways to protect your progress and ensure a healthy, beautiful smile when your braces or aligners come off.
At Kujak Orthodontics in Onalaska, WI, we’re here to help you keep your teeth clean, your gums healthy, and your appliances in great shape throughout your journey.
Whether you’re brushing around braces or learning how to clean clear aligners, good oral hygiene is key to avoiding cavities, stains, and gum issues. We recommend brushing after every meal, flossing daily, and using special tools like floss threaders or water flossers for hard-to-reach areas. Our team will walk you through all the best tips and techniques tailored to your specific treatment plan.
By staying consistent, you’ll not only protect your smile – you’ll make your overall treatment more comfortable and effective.
Brushing & Flossing
Brushing should be done at least 2-3 times per day
It should take no less than 2 minutes each time you brush
Be sure to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as the inside of your teeth, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth
Flossing should be done at least once each day
Floss around each individual tooth at least 3-4 times, in an up and down motion, not back and forth
We also recommend threading the floss AWAY from the tissue, not towards the tissue
Using a water flosser is another great option to help reduce plaque buildup
We suggest holding off on whitening during orthodontic treatment to avoid discoloration.
Proxy Brush
Use proxy brush prior to brushing
Use it to reach underneath the arch wire and around all brackets and bands
We recommend using the proxy brush AWAY from the tissue, not towards as the end can be sharp to the gum tissue
Orthodontic Flosser
Use flossers specifically designed for orthodontics
Floss prior to brushing
Pull flosser down gently and avoid putting pressure on the brackets or appliances
The thin side is meant to go under the wire
It’s important to see your general dentist for check-ups and cleanings during your orthodontic treatment with us.
Have questions about how to care for your teeth with braces or aligners? Call us at 608-783-8333.
Hours
Monday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Stay in Touch
Kujak Orthodontics 2747 National Drive Onalaska, WI 54650
I was born in Rhode Island, but I’ve lived in a few other places for a couple years such as California, North Carolina, and then Wisconsin since 2017. I’ve been here for 7 years now but enjoy visiting family in Charlotte, North Carolina. I graduated from my dental assistant program in 2019 and am a former patient of Dr. Dave as well. My husband and I currently don’t have any kids or pets but eventually want both. Our dream dog is a Chow Chow.On the weekends, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family playing board games or eating together. We really enjoy travelling, taking road trips, and hope to visit either Europe, Japan, or South Korea. One fun fact about me is that most of my mom’s side lives in France, so I have relatives there as well.
Makayla – Clinical Assistant
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse with a Bachelor’s degree of Science. After graduating I chose to continue calling this beautiful area home. I love creating intentional connections with people, and I look forward to continuing that with those who come through Dr. Dave’s doors!I appreciate the simple things in life; so outside of work I enjoy hiking, coffee, being by the water, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Candace – Clinical Assistant
Originally from Florida, I made Wisconsin my home after meeting my husband. I love the people and the scenery here, so finding a career where I would be fulfilled and happy for a long time was my goal. I believe I’ve done that with Kujak Orthodontics! I look forward to coming to work and seeing all the happy faces and beautiful smiles. Helping each patient find confidence in their smile is so rewarding.Outside of work I enjoy painting, learning new recipes, and hanging out with my dog Stoic and cat Miri.
Alannah – Clinical Assistant
I’m super excited to work with Dr. Dave and the rest of the team at Kujak Orthodontics. After being a patient many years ago I knew what a fun environment there is here and I’m looking forward to helping improve so many smiles in the community. In my free time I enjoy hiking Wisconsin state parks, fishing, taking care of my many houseplants, and spending time with my rescued husky, Ace.
Robyn – Clinical Assistant
I graduated from the WTC Dental Assistant program in 2000 and have been working in the dental field ever since! I recently joined the Kujak Orthodontics Team and am so excited to assist our patients in achieving the smile they have always desired!Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my 2 boys, family and friends. I love traveling (near & far), being on the water, going for walks, woodworking and decorating! I cannot wait to meet you!
Chelsey - Financial Coordinator
I am a product of the great state of Minnesota and a 2013 graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University. After working in the WNBA for a few years, I found myself in the La Crosse area and have enjoyed all it has to offer. I’m thrilled for this new adventure with Kujak Orthodontics and I look forward to making you smile and hopefully laugh along the way!When time allows, I enjoy cooking, traveling to new places and exploring the local food scene, fishing and both watching and playing sports. Anytime I can do any of these with family and friends, it makes it even more special.
Kellen – Operations Manager
As a former patient of Kujak Orthodontics, the atmosphere of the office drew me in from the moment Dr. Dave and his team started my treatment. During college, I approached Dr. Dave about an internship during the summer months. I interned for 3 full summers here and enjoyed every moment. Those experiences have driven me into the dental field with great interest. I graduated from Illinois State University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Dental (Biochemistry) and a minor in Business Administration.I have always had a passion for sports, competing in Division 1 Track and Field for the past 5 years which gave me many great experiences as a college student-athlete. Although my team may look a little different now, I am excited to be a part of this team who has the same goal as me, “changing people’s lives by changing their smiles
Collin – Treatment & Operations Coordinator
After growing up in a very rural town in northern Minnesota, I made the move to the big city of La Crosse to pursue a degree in Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. I have always been passionate about the business and hospitality side of the medical industry, that passion brought me to Dr. Dave’s orthodontic clinic. I serve as the Treatment Coordinator and strive to make each and every patient’s first visit to the clinic a comfortable and awesome experience!Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, playing volleyball, and traveling with my wife.
Olivia – Patient & Marketing Coordinator
I ended up staying in the La Crosse area after attending the University of Wisconsin La Crosse and was lucky enough to join Dr. Dave and his team here at Kujak Orthodontics shortly after graduating. Every day that I get to come to work is a joy! Being even a small part of each patient’s journey to getting their new smile is so encouraging and is the reason why I love what I get to do.Outside of work I love spending time with my husband, friends and family, doing anything crafty, spending time in nature and taking care of my many house plants!
Pa – Lab & OSHA Coordinator
I’ve been working in the dental field for 15 years, but recently joined the Kujak Ortho team and am very grateful and blessed to be a part of this great team. As a former orthodontic patient myself, it’s humbling and rewarding to know that we are able to help our patients smile more comfortably.
Ashley – Clinical Assistant
I grew up in Independence, WI and moved to La Crosse in the fall of 2020. I started at Kujak Orthodontics in the fall of 2023. I love coming to work every morning and seeing all the smiling faces! Outside of work my hobbies include chilling with my dog and boyfriend, cooking, painting nails and anything that has to do with art! I have always been a creative individual and love creating works of art with my hands!
Megan – Lead Trainer & Orthodontic Assistant
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2018. While in college, I went on a 2 week service leadership trip to Guatemala and helped serve over 500 patients with local dentists. Since I can remember, I have always been passionate about the dental field and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the Kujak Orthodontic team. The most rewarding part about my job is getting to follow patients throughout their orthodontic treatment and witnessing the immense confidence boost with their new and improved smiles!Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, the outdoors, and traveling to new places with my fiancé.
Deisha – Office Manager
I grew up here in the Coulee Region and love seeing familiar faces come through the office, and meeting many new! After graduating from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a BS in Sociology, my husband and I came back to the area where we have been busy raising our two children. Although I have worked in several industries, I feel particularly grateful to be in orthodontics where each day, we help people to smile a little more confidently.When I am not in the office, I especially enjoy family time on the river, coffee with friends, and a quiet moment with a paintbrush.
Jessie – Lead Patient Coordinator
I moved to the La Crosse area in 2019 from my hometown Ripon, WI and started working at Kujak Orthodontics that month. I truly enjoy coming to work every day knowing that we are helping people smile!Outside of work I enjoy being surrounded by my friends and family and spending lots of quality time with my husband, Jake. Exploring surrounding cities, anything artsy, being outdoors and playing board games are a few of my favorite ways to spend my time.
Tracy – Patient & Employee Experience Coordinator
I graduated from WTC in the Business Management Program. I enjoy working in medical patient services. Outside of work I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends. As a team member of Kujak Orthodontics, I love providing a fun atmosphere and being part our patient’s fantastic end results.
Tessa – HR Coordinator
I have worked in the dental field since 2009 in either patient coordinator or insurance coordinator positions and previously worked for this practice from July 2011 – July 2013. I had the privilege of rejoining Dr. Dave’s team in November 2016. In recent years, my position has shifted, and I now work entirely “behind the scenes” fulfilling HR-related duties. While I no longer have any patient contact, I take great pride in supporting our amazing team so that they can provide the ultimate experience for our patients! I have always been – and will always be – passionate about what Kujak Orthodontics does for our patients and community.Outside of work, I am busy with my husband and our three daughters. I love good food and coffee, date nights with my hubby, and traveling/taking vacations.
Kailee – Clinical Assistant
I grew up 20 minutes north of the Twin Cities and moved to the Coulee Region in 2015. After 5 years in the dental field, primarily as a patient coordinator or billing, I started at Kujak Orthodontics in the fall of 2023 where I took the jump into assisting. I truly enjoy helping patients receive the smile they love and watching the transformations from start to finish.Outside of work, my husband and 2 daughters keep me busy. When you can’t find me in the stands at local race tracks cheering on my husband, you can find me enjoying the lake at in my laws camper or spending time in the Twin Cities with family.
Michelle – Lead Orthodontic Assistant
I graduated from the WTC Dental Assistant Program and have spent over a decade in the field of dentistry, half of those years in orthodontics. It is so rewarding to follow a patient on their orthodontic journey from start to finish and to see them gain not only an amazing smile by Dr. Dave, but also a new level of confidence. The relationships that I am able to build with patients during their orthodontic journeys are what I love most about working in orthodontics.Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children and doing photography.
Barb – Insurance Coordinator
I graduated from WTC in 1983. I have enjoyed working in the orthodontic field for over 30 years. My biggest reward is watching generations of families achieve beautiful smiles through orthodontics! Outside of work I enjoy time with family and friends. I also enjoy my monthly euchre and bunko groups.
