That would be an emphatic yes!!! April is National Facial Protection Month, so we focus even more on the reasons you have to wear your mouthguard. As a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the AAO, I want to help make sure my patients and their teammates are properly protected from sports-related injuries to teeth, mouth and face. No one ever plans to get injured. Accidents are unexpected. Being protected is your best option.
How to Brush your Teeth with Braces
This is a question that I get asked a lot…
“What is the best way to brush your teeth with braces?” 🤷♀️🤷♂️
Our patients are given the Crest+Oral B Ortho Essentials System when they start in treatment.
The kit includes:
- Professional Oral B Genius Brush
- Crest Pro Health Fluoride Rinse
- Crest Pro Health Toothpaste
- Oral B Superfloss
- Platypus Flossers
- Ortho Essentials Guide
- Score Your Teeth card
The Oral B Genius Brush has a small round head making it easier to clean the teeth when braces are in place. Brush the outside, inside, and biting surfaces of your teeth. Be especially careful to clean thoroughly at the gum line. Plaque loves to hide there leaving permanent white marks behind if not removed thoroughly! 😣
Flossing is an equal partner with brushing. The brush bristles cannot fit in between the teeth where plaque and bacteria hide. Superfloss has a plastic tip that makes it easier to sneak between the teeth to floss while braces are on.
If brushing and flossing alone are still not getting the job done, then using something like the Waterpik Water Flosser can be a big help to loosen food and plaque. 💧💧💧
And of course, our partner in all of your oral hygiene needs is your general dentist. Be sure to continue regular visits during your orthodontic treatment and plan to go more frequently if you are having difficulty with your brushing and flossing.
Keep Smiling!
Stay Smile-tastic! My Friends!
How to Form a Good Elastic Habit
After you have started orthodontic treatment, the next thing to come along may be elastics, and learning to form a good elastic habit. Yes, the dreaded elastics! Elastics should not be dreaded, rather they should be celebrated. Elastics are a HUGE factor in not only achieving the treatment goals set by your orthodontist, they are they are also the key to finishing your treatment on time.
ELASTICS ARE THE KEY TO FINISHING YOUR TREATMENT ON TIME!
The Secrets to Good Toothbrushing with Braces
There are secrets to good toothrushing with braces you say??? Tell me more! Well, since you asked..
It all starts with your toothbrush
I firmly believe this. That’s why I provide all my patients with the most up-to-date Oral B/Braun electric toothbrush. The electric brush has a small round head which is great for getting to those hard to reach spots on and around your braces.
Can Adults Get Braces? Absolutely!
Once upon a time, the majority of patients seeking orthodontic treatment were adolescents. Today, one in five patients is an adult! Adult orthodontic treatment is here to stay! Multiple treatment options exist including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and clear acrylic tray aligners (ClearCorrect). How do you know which option is right for you? The first step is to visit a qualified orthodontist. He or she will perform a thorough exam, take diagnostic records, and review all your treatment options with you. Be clear about describing your goals in seeking orthodontic care, this will help your orthodontist create the best treatment plan for your individual needs. [Read more…]