How to Maintain a Healthy, Radiant Smile
At Loeb Orthodontics we provide our patients with the best in orthodontic care, like making you feel comfortable at every office visit and getting a personalized treatment plan for that perfect smile. Drs. Allison & Robert Loeb, along with our orthodontic staff, have been creating new smiles for years, and we proudly worked together with families of Oakland, Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, and Wayne, NJ to make their lives brighter, one smile at a time. We utilize state-of-the-art technology across a variety of treatment methods, such as clear braces or Invisalign, so you get exactly what you need to achieve your ideal smile.
Orthodontic treatment will straighten your teeth and provide you with the foundation for optimal oral health. Your new smile will have the potential to last a lifetime. However, that all depends on maintaining a consistent and comprehensive oral hygiene routine during and after orthodontic treatment. To ensure that you’re taking the best care of your new smile, below you will find a list of helpful oral hygiene tips for that you should follow to keep your mouth healthy.
Brushing Your Teeth
Your toothbrush is your primary weapon in the fight against plaque accumulation, white spots, and tooth decay. Use small circular motions when brushing, covering the front, top, and back of your teeth for a thorough clean. Keep in mind when brushing with braces that the most important areas to brush are the spaces between the braces and the gums, as well as underneath the wires. We recommend brushing after every meal to clear away any food particles that may be stuck in your braces.
Using an Interdental Toothbrush
The best option for cleaning underneath and around the wires of your braces is an interdental toothbrush called a proxybrush. A gentle use of the proxybrush is the best way to maintain excellent oral hygiene, while avoiding damage to your braces and wires. If you need any assistance on how to properly use a proxybrush, just contact us and our orthodontic team will be able to guide you through the process.
Cleaning Your Removable Appliance
Brush your removable appliance every day with a toothbrush and toothpaste as a part of your regular brushing and flossing schedule. This is important when considering the food particles and plaque that accumulate on your appliances. You may occasionally use denture cleaners on most removable appliances and you may also soak your appliance in mouthwash to give it a fresh taste. Never immerse your appliance in hot water.
Rinsing With Antibacterial Mouthwash
There are many benefits to using antibacterial mouthwash when considering your oral hygiene regimen. Not only can mouthwash reduce inflammation to your gums, but it can also reduce bad breath and appliance irritation from braces.
Applying Topical Fluoride
Fluoride rinses help prevent tooth decay by replacing minerals and fortifying tooth enamel which has been exposed to harmful acids in a process called remineralization. This does not replace daily brushing but should be done following brushing at bedtime. You may not eat or drink for 30 minutes after you use a rinse as it is important for the active ingredient to stay on your teeth for 30 minutes.
Visit Us & Get Your Healthier Smile
If you have any questions or need help with maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine, contact us and a member of our staff will be able to help you. Beyond your at-home oral care, be sure to keep your regular appointment with us at Loeb Orthodontics, so we can keep you on the fastest track to a healthy, radiant smile. You can schedule an appointment at our Oakland, NJ office by giving us a call or by filling out our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you get your new smile and make sure that it lasts for years to come.