Fall is the perfect time to relax and have fun. However, even during the laziest days you need to keep up with the proper care for your braces or Invisalign orthodontic appliances. All orthodontic patients with either braces or removable aligners need to brush and floss regularly, even during the fall.
Dental Hygiene Basics for Orthodontic Appliances
Patients wearing braces and patients with Invisalign have several dental hygiene basics in common. These include:
Tips for Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Food particles easily become stuck in and around your brackets and wires when wearing braces. When it’s time to brush, begin by rinsing your mouth first with water. This helps loosen those food particles. Always use an ADA (American Dental Association) approved fluoride toothpaste. You can use a manual toothbrush with an orthodontic tip or an electric toothbrush.
Brush at the gum line first, holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Keeping the gum line clean helps remove plaque that can lead to tartar build-up. To brush your brace-covered teeth, start from the top of the brackets and work down, then reverse by moving to the bottom of the tooth and brushing back upward toward the bracket and wire. Don’t rush and never press hard. Always brush for a minimum of two minutes to ensure a thorough cleaning.
An interdental toothbrush may be helpful to clean any remaining food particles from in between brackets and wires. To keep in between teeth clean, opt for regular floss or a floss pick.
Tips for Brushing and Flossing with Invisalign®
Always remove your Invisalign removable aligners before eating and drinking. The only thing you should drink when wearing your Invisalign is water. It’s important to clean your trays after removing to help keep bacteria from developing and to reduce the risk of any discoloration. The first step is to rinse the removable aligners before soaking them in your Manhattan, NY, orthodontist on the Upper West Side recommended cleaner. Follow the directions on the soaking agent and before reinserting the aligners, brush and floss your teeth.
Always brush your teeth thoroughly, starting at the gum line and working your way around your teeth for at least a full two minutes. After brushing, floss or use an interdental brush to remove any lingering food particles. Your removable aligners can be cleaned with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap and soft toothbrush. Never brush your Invisalign® harshly as this can cause damage to the appliance. Be sure to rinse thoroughly before reinserting.
Whether you opt for braces or Invisalign®, your Upper West Side orthodontist will show you exactly how to care for your personal orthodontic appliances. Trust your Upper West Side orthodontist follow all the recommended dental hygiene, and when your treatment process is done, your smile will be radiant and healthy.
This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our Manhattan, NY, orthodontics office on the Upper West Side would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.
Manhattan, NY, orthodontist, Dr. Pliakas, takes great pride in providing you with the best orthodontic treatment options by having the most advanced technology available, including retainers after treatment. With Central Park Orthodontics you can enjoy treatment times up to 50% faster than with traditional metal braces. We provide so many options from Invisalign to Orthopedics to Propel to Acceledent. During a 100% no-obligation Smile Assessment, we will assess your or your child’s unique mouth.
Central Park Orthodontics in Manhattan, NY, understands the importance of making braces affordable. That is why we offer affordable payment plans for braces, interest-free!
When you are ready, click here to schedule your appointment which includes a comprehensive exam, a personalized consultation, and more. Call today!
Central Park Orthodontics
271A Central Park West
(entrance on W.87th St.)
New York, NY 10024
Phone: 646.762.5400
