What you need to know…
Nowadays, we spend a huge amount in terms of time, and in many circumstances, money, on orthodontic treatment. Whether it be ‘train tracks’ or a more subtle option such as ‘Invisalign’ type aligners, you as the patient are more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease during the treatment process due the increased effort required to clean teeth and gums effectively.
Different orthodontic appliances can cause varying degrees of difficulty in terms of getting access to clean teeth effectively. Whatever the appliance, extra care must be taken to ensure teeth and gums are cleaned thoroughly. All surfaces and gum, including in between teeth. There is nothing worse than finally having the appliance removed, lovely straight teeth along with decay, puffy gums and staining. This doesn’t have to be the case.
Below are Growing Smiles recommendations for taking care of your smile during orthodontic treatment.
First things first – get the basics right. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a high fluoride toothpaste, once before you go to bed a night and at another time of the day (most people choose when they get up in the morning). Spit the toothpaste out but don’t rinse it off. Your orthodontic team may advise after meals depending on your orthodontic appliance.
Continue to clean between your teeth. Do this BEFORE you brush or at a different time to brushing. Interdental cleaning can be trickier with some orthodontic appliances. If you find this is the case, Growing Smiles recommends using a water flosser such as Waterpik Ultra, which uses a pulsating jet of water through the gaps in your teeth to break up the plaque biofilm and push out any residue into the sink. We recommend using warm water to reduce any potential sensitivity. Hold the Waterpik ‘ortho tip’ at the space between teeth for 3-5 seconds then move onto the next space.
Curaprox offers a specialist orthodontic brace care kit, which contains a specialist ortho toothbrush, interdental brushes, single tufted brush and wax in a handy container. This is a great starter kit for those at the beginning of their ‘train track’ orthodontic journey.
You may also like to consider adding a chlorhexidine, fluoride mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine, such as Curasept ADS 205 – specifically recommended for those undergoing orthodontic treatment. The anti staining chlorhexidine keeps bacteria at bay, whilst the fluoride gives teeth that extra bit of support. It is recommended that you use mouthwash at DIFFERENT time of the day to brushing, such as after lunch or dinner.
Don’t forget about to keep your aligners and retainers super clean too – that’s a story for another day!
At the end of the day, consistency is key with your oral hygiene routine. Starting orthodontic treatment healthy means keeping your mouth in first class shape easier. If you’re unsure, book Time Out for Teeth with Leigh GS, who can go through your specific requirements and make recommendations at a time that suits you.
For regular updates, special offers and more, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.