Keep Your Brackets Clean

Why?

Orthodontic treatment progresses properly only when the gums and teeth are healthy. Proper toothbrushing will also reduce the risk of permanent staining (decalcification) of the teeth, and helps to maintain healthy gums. Unclean teeth can cause permanent stains on the enamel, decay, and red swollen gums. This in turn can lead to longer treatment time, an unstable orthodontic result, and gum disease.

How?

Use your regular (manual or electric) toothbrush and toothpaste first. Scrub the brackets in a circular motion to remove the food. Then brush along the gumline also in a circular motion. Remember to brush the backs of the teeth too! Rinse well with water to get rid of the toothpaste foam. Now you need to inspect and detail the teeth and brackets by using the special proxabrush which we have given you. Jiggle this little brush under the archwires and between the brackets and gums to remove any remaining food and bacteria. This takes time so please be patient. You should also check if any of your brackets are loose at this time by gently trying to wiggle them. If any of them are loose, lease call our office right away.

Check out the link below for more helpful information:

http://www.cao-aco.org/ORTHODONTICINFO/oralhygiene.asp

When?

Brush your teeth after breakfast, after school, and before you go to bed. Brushing after meals is great but not always possible.

We Are Here To Help You

Modifying your daily routine in order to brush your teeth and brackets properly is your responsibility. However, at every appointment, we will check your teeth and gums so that you will be aware of any areas which may need more attention. We will give you a score so that you can track your progress.

The scoring system is:

1 - Excellent
2 - Very good
3 - Fair
4 - Poor
5 - Very poor

To get the best orthodontic results, consistent scores of 1 or 2 are necessary.