Dental Care With Braces - What Dr. Wiele Suggests...
 

At Gary B Wiele DDS, caring for your teeth and keeping them cavity-free is a top priority during orthodontic treatment.

Proper-fitting bands or brackets usually protect the covered portion of your teeth, but the brackets and the wires on the outside of your teeth make it harder for the toothbrush to clean between teeth. 

Trapped food particles and plaque are a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria.  This can cause gum disease, making cleaning even more challenging and painful.  Improper care with braces can permanently stain tooth enamel, so brushing your teeth is of vital importance for proper orthodontic hygiene.

	" Dr. Wiele, how often do I need to brush with dental braces?"
	Preferably brush within five minutes after you eat anything, whether you’re snacking or have just eaten a meal.  Brushing away cavity-causing bacteria helps keep your teeth cavity-free.  The most often missed area is on the gum side of the wire; concentrate on the gums!
	"How do I brush my teeth with braces?"
	Brush between wires and gums to loosen any food particles.  There are special toothbrushes for this, check with us for recommendations. Start on the outside of your upper teeth, positioning the bristles at a 45 degree angle, toward the gum.  Brush two to three teeth at a time using a circular motion, about ten strokes.   Next, brush the inner surfaces in the same manner. Brush the chewing surfaces. Repeat the same process for the lower teeth as for the upper ones. Rinse your mouth as well as your toothbrush. Check your teeth in a mirror to make sure you've brushed all tooth surfaces. Floss daily between braces using a floss threader. Toothpicks, stimudents, and other interdental devices work well under brackets.  For many people, electric toothbrushes add a degree of fun and remove some of the concentration required; and may work better than the standard toothbrush.  Ask us for a brand recommendation.

You may also want to use a pressurized water oral hygiene device that helps to remove food particles the toothbrush may not reach.  It is used in addition to brushing and flossing, not as a substitute.

While wearing braces, be sure to schedule regular dental exams every three to six months for cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy. 

For more information about how we at Gary B Wiele DDS can help you with dental braces, call us at (314) 726-2265, we will be happy to talk with you.