 |
|
|
|
|
Braces
do a lot more than improve your smile. They play an active role
in correcting overcrowded and misaligned teeth. This is important
because malocclusion (an abnormal bite) may cause other problems,
such as impaired plaque removal around misaligned teeth which can
lead to gum inflammation and cavities.
Taking good care of braces will prevent damage to them as well
as make them more comfortable to wear. Learning the basics of
orthodontic care will help you follow your dental professional's
recommendations to keep your teeth and gums healthy during the
time you wear braces.
|
| |
| |
Prepare to brush. Take off elastics, and any other removable parts
of your orthodontic appliance.
Clean your braces. Use your brush at a 45 degree angle to clean
around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush from the top of
each wire and then from the bottom. (Take time to ensure that
all plaque and debris are removed, and that you work all the way
around upper and lower teeth.)
Brush your teeth. Clean each tooth individually. First, place
your brush at a 45 degree angle to the junction between the tooth
and the gum, then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular
motion. Do this for about 10 seconds. Use the same brushing action
on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed
to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.
Floss with Oral-B® SUPER FLOSS. Floss once a day with SUPER
FLOSS (a unique floss for cleaning around appliances such as braces).
Have your dental professional show you how to use this floss,
or follow the instructions on the product package.
Rinse and check your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water or mouth
rinse, and examine your teeth and braces in the mirror. They should
sparkle, shine and feel clean.
Careful cleaning is required with braces because plaque and bacteria
are easily trapped inside and around them. The following procedure
will make daily brushing and flossing both simple and effective.
|
| |
 |
 |
| |
| |
Special cleaning techniques enable you to care for your teeth,
gums and braces more efficiently. By familiarizing yourself with
available products and how they are used, you can better understand
and perform the recommendations your dental professional makes
for your specific situation.
Specialty products available for orthodontic care include the
Oral-B End-Tufted toothbrush which has contra-angled bristle tufts
for targeted tooth and gum cleaning, and the Oral-B Orthodontic
toothbrush which has a special V-trimmed bristle configuration
for effective plaque removal around wires, brackets, teeth and
gums. For cleaning hard-to-reach spaces, an extra-fine, site-specific
brush such as the Oral-B Interdental Brush is often used.
For power-assisted plaque removal, the Braun Oral-B Plaque Remover
is available with orthodontic brushheads. Using the Braun Oral-B
Oral Irrigator can help with overall cleaning and gum stimulation,
while antibacterial rinses and home fluoride treatments are recommended
for extra protection of teeth and gums.
Remember, better oral care results in shortened wearing time
for braces, and reduces the risk of potential problems.
|
| |
| |
During the time that you have braces on your teeth, you will need
to visit the orthodontist regularly for adjustments to your appliance.
After a routine orthodontic adjustment, you may experience some
tightness or even a slight amount of pain. If this discomfort or
pain does not quickly dissipate, or becomes extreme, you should
consult your orthodontist. Concerns about your appliances, and any
problems with broken parts, should also be brought immediately to
your orthodontist's attention.
It is also important that you continue with regular visits to
your general dentist while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Routine
check-ups will be done for caries and for signs of gum disease.
Your dentist or hygienist may also perform frequent fluoride treatments
to provide additional protection to tooth surfaces from decay
while you are wearing braces.
Your home oral care techniques will be monitored by your dental
professional team and changes will be recommended as necessary.
Ask your orthodontist, dentist or hygienist for more information.
And work together with them to "keep your teeth for life."
|
| |
| |
Appliance - any removable or fixed dental restoration or ortho-dontic
device
Malocclusion - misalignment of upper and lower teeth |
| |
| |
 |
DO keep your mouth clean.
This will allow your teeth to move into the correct position
quicker, and shorten the wearing time for your braces. |
|
DO chop up solid food. Cut
up foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, and hard bread
crusts into bite-sized pieces, to reduce pressure on braces
during eating. |
|
DON'T chew on anything but
food. Chewing on objects such as pencils and paper clips can
damage braces and result in added time at the orthodontist.
|
|
DON'T push your teeth out
of line. Activities such as biting your nails and playing
with your elastics can prolong the amount of time you have
to wear braces. |
|
DON'T eat hard, sticky or
sugary foods, or drink fizzy beverages. Avoid foods such as
popcorn, nuts, chips, bubblegum, toffee, caramels and cookies.
And don't chew on ice cubes or drink soda pop. All of these
things can damage braces and/or cause tooth decay. |
| |
Click
here for more information about oral care and braces! |
|
|
|
|
