Monica Witte Saunders, DDS, MS8825 Davis Blvd., Suite 150Keller, TX 76248
817-562-2222
Back to Home
Back to FAQ
Brushing with Braces:
Good brushing habits are more important than ever when you have braces. Brackets, wires, and bands make it difficult to clean your teeth adequately -- so you have to put in the extra effort to maintain oral health!
There are four tools you must have to clean your teeth properly with braces:
Parents: Your child will be graded on brushing at every appointment! Please help them to follow the steps below to make sure they always get an A!
Steps to Follow:
1. Use the soft toothbrush to carefully clean above and below the braces. People often do not clean well enough along the gumline. Be sure to concentrate on this area.
When the teeth and brackets are clean, move on to brush the biting surfaces and insides of your teeth. Take your time.
2. Next, use the proxy brush to remove any plaque the toothbrush may have missed. The proxy brush is helpful to clean under the bracket hooks, bands, and under the wire on either side of each bracket.
3. You must floss once a day, preferably before you go to bed. Thread a long piece of floss through the floss threader. Use the threader to feed the floss under the wire. Gently floss under the gums along each adjacent tooth surface. Be sure to floss between all teeth, including those with bands.
Please remember that you must continue to see your general dentistfor cleanings and check-ups during your orthodontic treatment.
