Keeping up with your oral hygiene while in orthodontic treatment is very important. While the braces and Invisalign are working hard to align your teeth and perhaps even correct your bite! You still need to take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing well with braces and Invisalign.
Why is oral hygiene important during orthodontic treatment?
Plaque builds up around the brackets and in between the wires. This is why you need to take the time to floss well and make sure you brush after every meal or snack. If you have Invisalign it is just as important to keep up with your oral hygiene. You need to brush or rinse your mouth before putting the trays back in your mouth. The trays can hold leftover food particles that may get stuck in your teeth. This is not good. Just rinse the trays and brush them to keep them clean. After every meal or snack it is important to clean your teeth and your braces or Invisalign trays.
What can happen if you do not keep up with your oral hygiene?
Poor oral hygiene can cause tooth decay and/or gum disease. Due to the braces holding plaque and food particles, the acid and sugars from the foods are left on the teeth which will cause an outline of staining of the brackets. If you do not keep up with your oral hygiene during your treatment with braces, it could also cause your treatment to end prematurely.
When you start treatment at our office you will receive an orthodontic toothbrush kit which will include special tools to help make it easier to floss under the wires and get the small food particles out.
Tips for keeping up with your oral hygiene during treatment:
- Brush after every meal and snack, using a timer set at .
- If you cannot brush after eating, try to rinse mouth with either water or even mouthwash.
- Floss. Ask your orthodontist for floss threader.
Ready to schedule a consultation?
Our office is eager to meet you and can't wait to discuss your orthodontic options! If you are ready to start your smile journey with Azizi Orthodontics, give us a call. We have two convenient locations: Glenside-(215) 576-6414 and Ambler-(215) 646-9514.