Brushing & Flossing
It is recommended that your brush twice each day, in the morning, and before bedtime, and after every meal and/or snack. In addition, it is also recommended that your home care should include brushing with Listerine and flossing every night. These brushing sessions should last 2 – 5 minutes. Be thorough and evaluate your brushing and flossing each time to make sure plaque is removed. “Redness” is a sign of inflammation and necessitates better hygiene in the effected area. During your orthodontic care, it is essential to maintain your regular (twice per year) cleaning visits with your dentist. Additional visits are required as individually needed and/or may be recommended by your dentist or orthodontist.
Eating Habits
Try to limit your between meal snacks due to the increased incidence of tooth decay and other problems. This also includes soda or sugar drinks which should be followed by vigorous rinsing with water. After meals and snacks, brushing must be thorough so a toothbrush should be carried to school and work.
Care must be given to some foods during your orthodontic therapy. Sticky and hard foods are to be avoided due to the breakage of your braces. This includes gum and popcorn, which can cause their own problems. A list of problem foods will be provided to you along with your instructions as your treatment begins.
Emergencies
An emergency is defined as pain caused by your orthodontic appliances. An emergency is not determined when something becomes loose or broken. Typically, a long wire or some type of breakage may cause pain. It is helpful to call your office the following business day to notify us of the problem in order to receive the required care in a timely manner. Wax is provided with your home care kit for temporary relief of discomfort. Use the wax as needed and especially at night, since our mouths produce less saliva, it can be helpful at the beginning of treatment.