| |
| One
of the common fears about orthodontic treatment is that the braces
may cause decay or white lines (decalcification lines) on the teeth.
This is not true as long as the teeth are kept clean. |
| The
areas under the bands and brackets are protected as long as the bands
are firmly attached. The areas around the bands and brackets are the
potential problem areas. If the teeth are not cleaned properly, food
will collect around the brackets and bacterial plaque will form along
the gum line. This plaque is what uses the decalcification lines and
decay. If the plaque is removed conscientiously, no decay can form. |
|
| When
to Clean |
|
| Teeth
should be cleaned within 5 minutes of eating. During the day carry
a folding or travel type toothbrush, so when you are at work or school,
you can brush after lunch. Brushing with water is sufficient, you
do not need toothpaste. Floss the teeth too, if you have time. |
| In
the evening when you have more time, your tooth cleaning should
include brushing with a regular brush and a proxabrush, flossing,
water pik (if needed) and a flouride rinse. You should do a thorough
inspection of your teeth and braces at this time to make sure you
are doing a good job. If you are cleaning your teeth properly your
braces will be bright and shiny and your gums will be pale pink and
tight. If you notice red puffy gums or bleeding gums, you are not
cleaning adequately. |
| Following
the steps below will give you sparkling clean teeth and fresh breath.
If you are having problems achieving these goals, let us know and
we will help teach you the proper techniques. |
|
| How
to Clean |
|
| 1. The
first step is to look at your teeth in the mirror and brush with water
only. Do not use toothpaste, as the foam will obscure your view of
the areas you are cleaning. (You can use toothpaste later.) |
| A.
First concentrate on cleaning the area between your brackets
and gums. |
Place
the brush at a 45% angle to the gums and make small (1-2 mm)
circular motions with the tip of the toothbrush.
Be gentle, but make sure the bristle tips go under your gums. |
| Watch
carefully in the mirror so that you can observe the bristles
cleaning under the gums. |
| Clean
each tooth separately in this manner, making about 10 small
circles for each tooth. |
| This
takes time to do properly so don't rush it. |
| B.
After you have cleaned around the gum line on the outside of
all teeth, top and bottom, then repeat the procedures on the
inside of the teeth. |
| C.
After cleaning inside and out, then scrub the biting surfaces
of all teeth. |
|
| 2. Next,
use the proxabrush. This is a small cylinder or cone shaped brush
that is attached at 90 degrees to the handle. It is very effective
for cleaning under the wires. |
| Look
in the mirror and brush under the wires next to each bracket.
This should also be done with no toothpaste. Clean the top and
bottom brackets in both the front and back of the mouth. |
|
| 3. The
next step is to use dental floss to clean between your teeth. Here
are some simple steps to follow. |
| A.
Place the floss under the wire, between two brackets. (A floss
threader may be helpful in threading the floss under the wire.) |
| B.
Floss between the two teeth, making sure you get the floss under
the gum line on both adjacent teeth. |
| C.
Remove the floss. |
D.
Thread the floss under the wire between the next two teeth and
repeat the above steps.
Obviously this takes extra time, but your teeth can be flossed
at near 100% effectiveness once you learn the technique. |
|
| 4. The
oral lavage (Water Pik) can be very helpful, but it is NOT a substitute
for brushing. It may help remove some food particles that are caught
under the wires or gums. |
5. By
this time, the bands and wires should look clean and shiny. Now you
can do a quick brush all around with a fluoridated toothpaste to polish
your teeth and braces.
Rinse with water or mouthwash. |
6. If
you have been instructed to use a flouride rinse, now would be a good
time to do it. Swish 1 teaspoon of the flouride solution around your
teeth for 1 minute. Be sure to coat all surfaces, inside and out.
You may spit out the flouride or swallow it, depending on the instructions
given to you. Swallowing will increase the level of flouride ions
in your saliva and give you additional protection for approximately
24 hours. |
| |
| Some
Points to Remember |
|
| It's
harder to brush your teeth with braces on, and it takes a little more
time to do a proper job. |
| Your
teeth should be brushed after every meal or snack. |
| You
should do at least one thorough cleaning and flossing every day. |
| If plaque
is left on your teeth, your braces will look dirty, your teeth will
decay and your breath will be foul. |
| If you
clean your teeth properly, you will have a beautiful smile and clean
sweet breath. |
| Regular
visits to your general dentist must be continued throughout orthodontic
treatment. Your dentist might want to increase the frequency of your
cleanings, checkups and flouride treatments during your time in braces. |
