Care of fixed appliance

More adults and children are getting braces than ever before and to get better results, patients have to brush and floss carefully. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends brushing and flossing the teeth after every meal.

Before going to bed is the most important time to brush, because the protective cleansing action of saliva decreases during sleeping. Poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can accelerate deterioration of the gums and the bone around teeth.

Before brushing and flossing remove al elastic and removable devices.

Proper brushing takes at least two minutes. Most patients do not come close to brushing that long. Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:

Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
Clean the chewing surfaces

It is very important to clean befind the brackets. If the plaque behind the braces is not removed properly, gums can swell and bleed.

After brushing rinse thoroughly! Make sure to swish the water all around he mouth and teeth.

It may sound difficult to maintain this level of brushing, but remember that your teeth are important and you want to have them for the rest of your life.