Oral Hygiene

The first couple of weeks will be an adjustment period for you.  The care of your teeth will take more time than it did previously, but the benefit of a healthy, amazing smile will be a great reward in the end.

There are other things that may happen as your teeth move now and throughout treatment.  As your teeth move, your wire can seem like it is moving and can start to poke your cheeks.  Unfortunately, this is a normal part of treatment.  You can use the wax which is provided to you.  Place a small circle amount on any part of your wire or bracket that is poking.  It is important to dry off the area first with a rag or paper towel and ensure that it is free of debris, such as food and plaque.

If an appointment is needed or are unsure if an appointment is needed, call the office and we will be happy to help you.  Please do not come directly to the office, by calling us first, you allow us to schedule a specific time to devote to helping you.  We also have instructional videos on our website as well that you can reference after hours.

Brushing

• Brush 2-3 x/ day for @ least 2 mins
  • Electric Toothbrush:
    • Timer
    • Modes
    • Brush heads specific for ortho
    • Turns red if using too much pressure
    • Charging
  • Manual Toothbrush: Use circular motion
  • Brush the same way every time to ensure areas aren’t missed
    • Directly along brackets
    • Above brackets/ along gum line
    • Below brackets/ underneath the arch wire
    • Chewing surfaces
    • Inside of teeth by tongue
    • Tongue/ roof of mouth

Canker Sores

• You may get canker sores on your cheeks or tongue.  To prevent and resolve canker sores, mix ½ tsp table salt with 8 oz. of warm water.  Rinse and gargle vigorously 3 times per day until sores are gone.  Canker sore specific mouthwashes can also be purchased at local grocery stores.

Flossing

• 1x/ day when you have the most time
• Thread floss underneath the Archwire
• Floss up and down, not back and forth, 3-4 times around EACH tooth
• Rinse floss as needed
• Throw away floss after each use

Mouthwash

• Rinse with Fluoridated mouthwash as directed, normally 2x/ day for 30 seconds

Proxy Brush

• Use 1x/ day by taking the brush underneath the archwire and brushing up and down, away from the gum-line, not towards
• Throw away after each use

Rinse

• If brushing cannot take place after lunch or snacks, rinse with water immediately

Gum

• Normally chewing gum is acceptable, as long as it doesn’t stick to your brackets and it must be Sugar Free.
• Avoid:
  • Hard, sticky, chewy foods
  • Biting directly into food with front braces, use a knife and cut into pieces and use back teeth to chew
  • Biting on pens, pencils, ice or anything else hard

The first couple of weeks will be an adjustment period for you.  The care of your teeth will take more time than it did previously, but the benefit of a healthy, amazing smile will be a great reward in the end.

There are other things that may happen as your teeth move now and throughout treatment.  As your teeth move, your wire can seem like it is moving and can start to poke your cheeks.  Unfortunately, this is a normal part of treatment.  You can use the wax which is provided to you.  Place a small circle amount on any part of your wire or bracket that is poking.  It is important to dry off the area first with a rag or paper towel and ensure that it is free of debris, such as food and plaque.

If an appointment is needed or are unsure if an appointment is needed, call the office and we will be happy to help you.  Please do not come directly to the office, by calling us first, you allow us to schedule a specific time to devote to helping you.  We also have instructional videos on our website as well that you can reference after hours.

Brushing

• Brush 2-3 x/ day for @ least 2 mins
• Use circular motion
• 30 seconds on each quadrant
  • Brush the same way every time to ensure areas aren’t missed
    • Directly along the attachment
    • Above attachments/ along gum line
    • Below attachments
    • Chewing surfaces
    • Inside of teeth by tongue
    • Tongue/ roof of mouth

Canker Sores

• You may get canker sores on your cheeks or tongue.  To prevent and resolve canker sores, mix ½ tsp table salt with 8 oz. of warm water.  Rinse and gargle vigorously 3 times per day until sores are gone.  Canker sore specific mouthwashes can also be purchased at local grocery stores.

Flossing

• 1x/ day when you have the most time
• Floss up and down, not back and forth, 3-4 times around EACH tooth
• Rinse floss as needed
• Throw away floss after each use

Mouthwash

• Rinse with Fluoridated mouthwash as directed, normally 2x/ day for 30 seconds

Rinse

• If brushing cannot take place after lunch or snacks, rinse with water immediately

Gum

• Normally chewing gum is acceptable, as long as it doesn’t stick to your attachments and it must be Sugar Free.
• Avoid:
  • Hard, sticky, chewy foods
  • Biting directly into food with front braces, use a knife and cut into pieces and use back teeth to chew
  • Biting on pens, pencils, ice or anything else hard

The first couple of weeks will be an adjustment period for you.  The care of your teeth will take more time than it did previously, but the benefit of a healthy, amazing smile will be a great reward in the end.

There are other things that may happen as your teeth move now and throughout treatment.  As your teeth move, your wire can seem like it is moving and can start to poke your cheeks.  Unfortunately, this is a normal part of treatment.  You can use the wax which is provided to you.  Place a small circle amount on any part of your wire or bracket that is poking.  It is important to dry off the area first with a rag or paper towel and ensure that it is free of debris, such as food and plaque.

If an appointment is needed or are unsure if an appointment is needed, call the office and we will be happy to help you.  Please do not come directly to the office, by calling us first, you allow us to schedule a specific time to devote to helping you.  We also have instructional videos on our website as well that you can reference after hours.

Brushing

• Brush 2-3 x/ day for @ least 2 mins
  • Electric Toothbrush:
    • Timer
    • Modes
    • Brush heads specific for ortho
    • Turns red if using too much pressure
    • Charging
  • Manual Toothbrush: Use circular motion
  • Brush the same way every time to ensure areas aren’t missed
    • Brush around and under, as best you can, your appliance
    • Brush directly along the cheek side of your teeth
    • Brush along the gumline
    • Chewing surfaces
    • Inside of teeth by tongue
    • Tongue/ roof of mouth

Canker Sores

• You may get canker sores on your cheeks or tongue.  To prevent and resolve canker sores, mix ½ tsp table salt with 8 oz. of warm water.  Rinse and gargle vigorously 3 times per day until sores are gone.  Canker sore specific mouthwashes can also be purchased at local grocery stores.

Flossing

• 1x/ day when you have the most time
• Floss up and down, not back and forth, 3-4 times around EACH tooth
• Rinse floss as needed
• Throw away floss after each use

Mouthwash

• Rinse with Fluoridated mouthwash as directed, normally 2x/ day for 30 seconds

Proxy Brush

• Use 1x/day by taking the brush underneath the appliance across the roof of your mouth (or tongue) and use a back and forth motion (similar to how brushing would be).  This brush will get into the smaller to reach areas and keep those areas clean.
• Throw away after each use

Rinse

• If brushing cannot take place after lunch or snacks, rinse with water immediately

Gum

• Normally chewing gum is acceptable, as long as it doesn’t stick to your attachments and it must be Sugar Free.
• Avoid:
  • Hard, sticky, chewy foods
  • Biting directly into food with front braces, use a knife and cut into pieces and use back teeth to chew
  • Biting on pens, pencils, ice or anything else hard