home care while the braces are on?
• Excellent oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) is a necessity, to avoid extended treatment times, as well as to prevent enamel scarring (white spots), caries (cavities) and gingivitis (gum disease). • Use of fluoride toothpastes, good manual or electric tooth brushing technique and flossing are essential. • Brushing is recommended after every meal or snack, paying careful attention to the areas at the gum line and around the brackets and underneath the wires where food and plaque can get stuck. • We prescribe a fluoride mouthwash prescription as needed to help in the care of the teeth while in braces. • We recommend regular cleanings and examinations every six months or more often as recommended by your dentist. We will be happy to remove wires for these cleanings if you inform us of an upcoming appointment at your dentist. We will also be happy to coordinate appointments for you if you would like. Please just ask the scheduling coordinators for assistance.
