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Who needs
orthodontic treatment?
How long does the treatment take?
How do I clean my teeth properly while wearing braces?
How do I floss with fixed braces?
Are there specially designed products for use with
braces?
When it comes to oral care and braces what are the
most important things to remember? |
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Orthodontic treatment not only improves the look of your teeth,
it may prevent bigger dental problems from developing later in life.
While you are wearing braces, you must remember that your treatment
is affected by how well you care for your teeth and gums. Good oral
care at home involves effectively removing plaque from your teeth,
gums and braces every day. It will contribute to the continued health
of your teeth and gums. |
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Who
needs orthodontic treatment?
Not everyone's teeth are perfectly straight. In fact, many people
have crooked or overcrowded teeth. In addition, crooked or crowded
teeth may cause uneven wear of tooth surfaces or jaw problems that
may lead to complications later in life. They can also be difficult
to clean properly, which makes them prone to tooth decay and gum
disease.
While it is most common during childhood and adolescence (from
around age eight and up), an increasing number of adults today
are also opting for orthodontic treatment. |
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How long does the treatment take?
Treatment times vary, but it may take from 18 to 30 months to
complete. For adults, treatment may take a little longer because
the facial bones have stopped growing. But whatever your age, keeping
your teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment will help
keep treatment time on track. |
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How do I clean my teeth properly while wearing braces?
During treatment, fixed braces or a removable appliance may be worn
to gradually move teeth to their correct position in the mouth.
The type of braces that you have will determine your daily oral
care routine: |
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Fixed braces: cleaning teeth and gums
At first, doing a good job removing plaque from your teeth and along
the gumline may seem difficult with fixed braces. But keep at it:
with a bit of practice, it will get easier - here is some advice
on doing it right:
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First, take
off any elastic bands and removable parts (like headgear)
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Use a dentist
recommended brushing method - here is one example: |
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Place your brush
at a 45 angle to the gum. Apply gentle pressure as you brush
with short back and forth strokes, cleaning each tooth individually
for about 10 seconds |
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Use the same
brushing motion on all inner and outer tooth surfaces |
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Don't forget to brush the
chewing surfaces of your teeth - and make sure you reach the
teeth at the back too |
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Finish by cleaning
around your braces, brushing first from the top and then from
the bottom. Brush gently and take care not to break or bend
any of the brackets or wires |
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Removal appliances: cleaning
your teeth and gums
This is a little more straightforward because once you take the
appliance out of your mouth, you can brush and floss your teeth
as normal. However, it is important that you carry out these extra
steps:
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Make sure that
you gently brush the gum areas that are covered by your appliance.
This includes the roof of your mouth if you wear the appliance
on your top teeth |
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Using a toothbrush
and toothpaste, clean your appliance, rinsing thoroughly with
water afterwards |
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How do I floss with fixed braces?
Ask your dentist or orthodontist to show you how to clean around
your braces:
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Choose a "threading
floss" with a stiffened end that threads it through the
gap between each tooth - above the wire for your upper teeth
and below the wire for your lower teeth |
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Curve the floss around each
tooth in a "C" shape and gently move it up and down
the side of each tooth, including under the gumline. Unroll
a new section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth |
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Are there specially designed products for use with braces?
Your orthodontist will recommend a combination of home oral
care products to help you get the most out of your daily routine.
Here are some examples of some specially designed products:
Orthodontic toothbrushes: these are brushes, like the
Oral-B Orthodontic Toothbrush, that have bristles trimmed
into a "V" shape for cleaning above and below the brackets
and wire.
In addition, the specially designed Oral-B
Ortho Brushhead refill, which is suitable for use with all
Oral-B power toothbrushes, has a bristle design that makes it
ideal for cleaning around braces.
Special Flosses: Fixed braces interfere with normal flossing
techniques. Instead, use a threading floss, like Oral-B
SuperFloss®. It is unique because it has three sections
in each strand: a stiffened end that allows it to be threaded
in between your teeth, above and below the wires of your braces;
a spongy floss, to clean in wide spaces, and a regular floss for
cleaning teeth with standard or tight spaces. Toothpaste, fluoride
or an antibacterial agent can be used on the spongy floss section.
Interdental brushes: these have very small heads with fine
bristles, perfect for cleaning under wires and between teeth
The Oral-B
Interdental Brush System comes with a handle and two disposable
brushheads - you just need to replace the brushhead when the bristles
show wear. And for cleaning between your teeth when you are on
the move, the Oral-B compact interdental brush (with travel cap)
is an ideal size for your purse or pocket.
Irrigators: These products, such as the Oral-B
ProfessionalCare 7900 OxyJet® Center, use a pressurized
stream of water to help clean around the orthodontic brackets
and along the gumline. The OxyJet irrigator also has adjustable
settings for use on sensitive areas and has a water tower
large enough to clean the whole mouth. As an alternative to
water, the OxyJet irrigator can also be used with mouthrinse. |
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When it comes to oral care and braces what are the most important
things to remember?
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Brush your teeth
and braces, at least three times a day (and especially after
eating). |
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Clean between
teeth at least once daily-and definitely just before you go
to bed. |
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Use a fluoride
toothpaste; fluoride is proven to help prevent cavities. |
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Use a fluoride
mouth rinse or fluoride supplements as directed by your dentist
to help reduce the risk of cavities. |
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Carry your toothbrush
and floss with you at all times so that you can clean your
teeth even when you are not at home. |
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Continue to
visit your dentist for regular check-ups |
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Avoid frequent
sugary snacks especially sticky foods that can damage your
braces and increase your risk for cavities |
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