Oral Hygiene

The most important piece of advice we can give our orthodontic patients is to keep your teeth sparkling clean. Sparkling clean teeth will decrease chances of the tooth enamel decalcifying, and permanently marking your teeth. Careful brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent decalcification, plaque build-up, tooth decay or gum disease. This involves brushing after every meal or snack (that's about six times a day!) and flossing at least once a day. Braces, wires, bands, elastics and retainers can all trap food particles and make it difficult to floss or brush the plaque away. You will be issued an orthodontic oral hygiene kit that will include:

• Fluoridated toothpaste.
• Dental floss.
• Inter-proximal brush.
• Soft bristled toothbrush.
• Disclosing tablets.

We also strongly recommend that you maintain your dental checkups and cleaning appointments with your family dentist. Good oral hygiene is essential to achieving a good orthodontic result!

Mouth Guards

Many of our patients are actively involved in contact sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer or hockey. The risk of appliance breakage and oral injury can be reduced by wearing a mouth guard. Some store models of mouth guards are made specifically for orthodontic patient's; however, it is best to check with our dental assistants at the time your braces are placed for their advice on the type of mouth guard that will best suit your needs. Please inform us if you engage in any form of contact sports and we will be happy to provide you with a suitable mouth guard.