Proper Oral Hygiene
EVEN MORE IMPORTANT DURING TREATMENT
Orthodontic treatment is much more comfortable than it used to be, especially when you choose Beattie Family Orthodontics, because Dr. Beattie offers the latest technologies designed to make orthodontics better than ever. If you choose Invisalign, you’ll be able to eat, drink and brush normally, but taking a little extra care in cleaning your teeth and choosing what to eat when you have braces is a good idea.
It’s not uncommon for some patients to feel minor discomfort for the first few days after they first get their braces on. Teeth might even feel a little loose (after all – they’re on the move.) While many patients say it’s no big deal, some patients choose to keep some pain reliever (just like you’d take for a headache) handy for a day or two after each appointment. Tenderness usually subsides within a few days. If you have questions or need to Contact Us, don’t hesitate!
It’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy during orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease could also benefit from seeing a periodontist during orthodontic treatment. Taking extra care to keep your teeth clean will ensure that, when the braces come off, your straight teeth will look and feel great!
A Few Great Tips
FOR ORAL HYGIENE
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. Electric and sonic toothbrushes are also acceptable.
- Use a dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste. Use circular motions and clean the gum line around each bracket for 10 seconds on each tooth.
- Brush your teeth after meals and snacks.
- If you have eaten while away from home, use your interdental brush to dislodge any food that may get caught around your braces.
- Rinsing with water is another way to dislodge food from your braces, and to keep sugar from sitting on your teeth when eating away from home.
- Floss your teeth carefully at least once daily, gently pulling the floss under the archwire between each tooth. Go around the gumline and each tooth.
- We recommend that you have a check-up with your dentist every 6 months.