R&B Tips: emBRACE it!

While undergoing orthodontic care, it is important to maintain your oral hygiene. In addition to brushing and flossing after every meal, it is also extremely important to both your General Dentist and your Orthodontist that you maintain a regimented hygiene schedule to keep your smile healthy.

We recommend when undergoing orthodontics such as wearing braces, to schedule your hygiene appointments every 3-6 months. While wearing your braces, it is increasingly difficult to clean around the hardware and remove unwanted plaque and food buildup, which can lead to inflammation and decay.

We recommend going to your Orthodontist prior to your hygiene appointment to remove your wires, increases your hygienist’s ability to clean well between your teeth, catching the gunk that you may miss during your daily cleanings. In addition, keeping your gum tissue stimulated and healthy allows your orthodontic appliances, such as braces, to move at a more expedient pace.

And finally having your wires removed prior to your hygiene appointment allows your Dentist to take X-Rays without the wire blocking portions of your teeth that may have decay.

We understand running around to your Orthodontist and your Dentist and back to place wires back in is a lot to handle, but it is a short term chore for a lifetime of healthy, straight smiles.