Getting orthodontics changes the oral hygiene methods you should be doing on a daily basis in order to achieve and maintain a healthy smile. It takes time to get used to dental braces or permanent retainers, but it’s important to adapt your oral hygiene routine to fit your orthodontics. There are various devices and habits you can develop to ensure your taking care of your braces.
Brushing technique:
The brushing technique suitable for braces is the charter’s method. Ensure your using a soft bristled toothbrush and a pea sized amount of toothpaste.
Charter’s method:
- Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the biting surface of the tooth and do vibrating motions. Let the toothbrush bristles go underneath the wire.
- Place the bristles 45 to the gumline and do short vibrating motions above the brackets. Do the vibrating motions above and below the gumline for all your teeth
- For the biting surface of your teeth, do scrubbing motions
- For the backs of your teeth place the bristles 45 degree half on the tooth and half on the gumline and do short vibrating motions.
Flossing:
It’s recommended to use a floss threader with braces to make sure your removing the plaque between the teeth.
How to use a floss threader:
- Pass the floss through the floss threader
- Insert the plastic needle under the wire of the braces. Gently pull the floss through the wire
- Wrap your floss around your index finger. Slide the floss up between the teeth, and make a c-shape with the floss
- While the floss is still between the teeth, bring the floss slightly below the gums of one tooth, then do the same for the other side.
Braces are meant to improve your smile, but neglecting daily oral hygiene can cause the need for more dental treatment. Make sure your keeping up with your brushing and flossing, and if you have any questions or want more information, we invite you to call our team at The Smile Team in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, today at 416-546-5599. We look forward to helping you in any way we can, and we thank you for the opportunity!