One of the MOST IMPORTANT parts of your treatment will be your home care.  We CAN NOT achieve a great result without your help!  Please follow the instructions below to properly take care of your teeth while your braces are in place.

Tooth Brushing- Brush your teeth at least three times a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

1.  Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.

2.  Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.

3.  Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.

4.  Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes can also be used.  They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently.  Simply place the bristles of the electric toothbrush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing-  Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

1.  Use a floss threader to thread the floss under the wire and between the braces.

2.  Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.

3.  Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Rinsing-It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush.  It is recommended that all of our patients use Phos-flur once a day to decrease the chance of decalcification and/ or decay.