Monarch Orthodontic Centre

Orthodontics Introduction
Treatment
Oral Hygiene
Before and After

Oral Hygiene

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Braces

Wearing braces can give you a beautiful smile. But if not properly taken care of, your teeth may be permanently harmed after wearing braces. You must follow your orthodontist's instructions as to how to take care of your braces and teeth while wearing braces.

With all their nooks and crannies, braces can hide food, which can cause:

Stains on your teeth

Cavities

Gum disease

Tooth decay

Brushing, flossing, and avoiding certain foods are the most important things to do to keep your teeth healthy and braces protected while wearing braces.

Brushing Properly

The brush should be placed against the teeth at a 45° angle. The bristles should be pushed under the wires and between the teeth. Use a circular motion to scrub all over the braces, gums and teeth. Don't forget to brush the tongue side and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Take your time, don't rush the brush! It should take you about three minutes to complete a proper brushing! Look in the mirror when you are done to ensure that all plaque and food has been removed. You should brush after every meal and before you go to bed.

Flossing Properly

This is often difficult but very important. Waxed floss should be used at a length of 18 inches. The floss must be threaded under the archwire before it is passed between the teeth. We have provided you with floss threaders for this purpose. Rub the floss up and down against each tooth surface, avoid using a shoe shine or sawing motion. Don't forget the back side of the last teeth. After a few weeks of practice, it will be easy to floss once a day.

Taking Care of Removable Appliances

It is also important to take care of your removable appliances. Brush them as instructed by your orthodontist and either put them back in your mouth or store them in their case.

Remember, it is important to visit the dentist every six months while wearing braces for frequent cleanings and examinations.

Eating Properly

To protect your braces while you are wearing them, it is important to watch the food that you eat and avoid those that can cause damage to your braces. Follow these guidelines while wearing braces to help you avoid problems:

Avoid hard candy or mints that stay in your mouth a long time, the extra sugar will cause plaque to build up.

Avoid sticky foods' taffy, gum, raisins, cookies, caramel, dried fruits, etc. These can damage or loosen your braces.

Avoid crunchy foods' popcorn, corn chips, nuts, etc. These can break your braces.

Cut hard foods like apples and carrots into bite-size pieces to make them easier to chew and easier on your braces.

Avoid eating food outside of mealtimes. The saliva your mouth produces at mealtimes helps kill the bacteria on your teeth. Therefore, eating outside of mealtimes gives greater opportunity for bacteria to build up on your teeth.

Eat foods like peanuts, cheese, and sugar-free chewing gum after eating carbohydrates. These foods can help counter the effects of the acids produced by other foods.


Monarch Dental Centre Burnaby 4980 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC • Suite 501 Phone: (604) 434-9060 • Fax: (604) 433-4981		Monarch Dental Centre Port Moody 205 Newport Drive, Port Moody, BC • Suite 501 Phone: (604) 461-9160 • Fax: (604) 461-4981