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All about
Braces
Treatment
time with orthodontic appliances can range from one to three years. The actual
time depends on the severity of the problem, the cooperation of the patient, and
the growth of the patient's mouth and face. Some individuals respond faster to
treatment than others, and minor problems may require less time. After the
braces are removed, Dr. Shaikh
recommends her patients to wear retainers to help keep the teeth in their new
positions. Retainers are to be worn full time for one year, after which the
amount of time worn each day can be gradually reduced until eventually worn just
at night for as long as possible.
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Teeth with Braces Need Special
Care
You and
your orthodontist are now a team. You both want the same thing - a beautiful
smile with healthy, white, straight teeth. Your orthodontist will straighten
your teeth, but you are the one who must keep them healthy and white. You know
that means brushing. Now that you have braces, proper brushing will take some
extra time and effort.
When your braces come off, you want your teeth to look
their best, so start today to be your smile's best friend. Remember - brush ...
rinse ... and look until your teeth and braces are spotlessly clean!
These
teeth and braces are spotlessly clean. Keep yours that way, and you will have a
beautiful smile when your braces are removed.
Don't let these things happen to your smile!
 
Plaque and trapped food have
Careless brushing has left made these gums sore and swollen.
permanent marks on these teeth
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Caring for your teeth
with braces
Brush your teeth a lot while wearing
braces! Foods tends to get stuck around them, which can accelerate decay.
Besides which, it feels gross!
Floss every day. In order to get the floss under your wires, use floss threaders.
Use the special fluoride prescribed by your dental hygienist/dentist every day.
It will not only prevent cavities, but also help prevent decalcification around
the brackets of your braces, so that when you get your braces off your smile
will be perfect!
Eat healthy foods! A healthy diet means a healthy body, healthy teeth, and a
better result for your orthodontia.
Plaque is the Problem
Plaque is a sticky, white
substance that collects on your teeth. It is made up of bacteria, food and
saliva. If plaque and trapped food are left on your teeth and around your
braces, they can cause swollen gums, bad breath, marks on your teeth and
cavities. Plaque also can discolor your teeth and make them look yellow. Don't
let any of these things happen to you - be your smile's best friend by brushing
often and properly. Also, remember to visit your family dentist for regular
checkups.
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How and When to Brush
 You
should use the kind of toothbrush and toothpaste your orthodontist recommends
and use them often. Brush after every meal, especially if you have eaten
anything sticky or sweet. If you cannot brush right away, be sure to at least
rinse well with water until you can brush. It is a good idea to carry a special
travel toothbrush when away from home.
What is
most important is that at
least once every day you vigorously brush your teeth and braces until they are
spotlessly clean.
This takes extra time, so most patients do it at
night before going to bed. Whatever time you choose to do this extra brushing,
make absolutely sure your teeth and braces are as clean as you can get them.
At least
once a day, remove every trace of plaque and trapped food from your teeth and
braces using the toothbrush, toothpaste and other techniques your orthodontist
recommends. An interproximal brush is sometimes recommended as a hygiene aid.
Remove
every trace of plaque and trapped food from all the surfaces of your teeth
fronts, backs, tops and under your wires (your oral hygienist will show you how
to do this). Pay very close attention to brushing the gum line because plaque
left there will make your gums sore and swollen, which will make brushing even
more difficult. This also is the time you should use dental floss, special
brushes, mouthwashes and fluoride mouth rinse, if recommended by your
orthodontist.
After brushing
you should rinse thoroughly. Swish the water all around your mouth and teeth.
Then, inspect your teeth and braces carefully to make sure they are spotless. Do
this by looking closely in a well-lighted mirror. This is very important because
you cannot feel plaque but you can usually see it.
You may have to brush and rinse two or three times before
all the plaque is gone. This may sound difficult but remember, they are your
teeth and you want to have them for the rest of your life.
Keep your teeth and braces clean along the gum line, or
they may become sore and swollen, which will make brushing more difficult.
Be Your Smile's Best Friend
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FOODS TO AVOID
WHILE WEARING BRACES!
 Chewing
Cracked Ice
Chewing Hard Bread Crust
Hard Pretzels
 Hard
Pizza Crust
Apples (unless peeled & cut into bite sized pieces)
Carrots (unless cut in strips)
 Popcorn
Nuts
Hard and sticky Candies
 Meat
on the Bone
Celery
Granola Bars
Corn on the COB!
 Bubble
Gum
Toffees
Crunchy Chips
Remember:
Use common sense. If it is
hard, sticky
or
chewy, you probably should
avoid it.
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