Dr. Larkin and his team of doctors at Legendary Smiles believe that brushing & flossing are critical components of effective orthodontic treatment and ensures that our patients continue to have clean and healthy smiles. Plaque is formed by food particles building up between teeth and in your braces. This buildup leads to more bacteria in your mouth, which in turn can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even the loss of your teeth. However, such conditions rarely occur if you have a daily routine and pay careful attention to keeping your braces and teeth clean.
Brushing And Flossing
Our Legendary Smiles Orthodontics offices achieved this distinction by successfully treating many patients over the years and delivering beautiful smiles. Our doctors are up to date on the latest technological advances within the orthodontic industry and the Invisalign space in particular. Whether you’re interested in traditional braces or a more discrete treatment option, our goal is to provide exceptional care to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
During Your Orthodontic Treatment
Brushing
Whether you have braces or Invisalign, brushing your teeth takes on added importance during your orthodontic treatment. Dr. Larkin and his team of doctors recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. When you brush your teeth, move the toothbrush in small, tight circular motions over each tooth, between your braces, and of course between your teeth. Holding the toothbrush at an angle ensures that you are reaching any bits of food that are underneath your gum line. It is important not to be in a rush when brushing your teeth, but rather take your time and be conscious of brushing away from the gums. Brushing away from the gums means brushing “south” for your upper teeth and “north” on your lower teeth. Brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth helps keep your entire mouth clean and feeling fresh.
Brushing With Braces Or Invisalign Treatment
When starting out with your braces or Invisalign treatment, we recommend brushing your teeth four times each day to help keep food particles from building up between your braces. Some recommended times include:
- After breakfast
- After lunch or right after school
- After dinner
- Right before bedtime
Flossing
Flossing is one of the most neglected aspects of dental care for people of all ages, regardless if they are seeing an orthodontist or not. This is unfortunate as it is one of the best ways to clean the space between your teeth that a toothbrush has difficulty reaching, which is why we recommend flossing to all of our patients that visit our Reno, Sparks, & Carson City area offices. Yes, flossing while wearing braces is a bigger time commitment, but flossing every day had big benefits for the health of your teeth & gums.
Our office provides our patients with reusable floss threaders to help you reach under archwire. Take a small piece of floss and thread it through the threader. Slide the floss up and down across each tooth, feeling how clean each tooth gets along the way. Never put to much force on your archwire when flossing or rush the process. After you’ve slowly and carefully flossed between your braces, floss between the rest of your teeth and gums.
