For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment in Long Island, keeping the teeth clean can be a major challenge. Both the brackets and the wires associated with braces present obstacles to toothbrushes and floss. The appliances also can serve as a collection point for bacteria-laden plaque.
Of course, a clean healthy mouth is just as important for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment as it is for anyone. So, these patients must take extra steps to ensure that their oral hygiene routine is effective.
It is possible to floss with braces, although it will require you to adopt a different technique than traditional flossing. Your orthodontist can give you special floss threaders that will help you work around the wires. These threaders have thin plastic loops in which you place the floss. Then you insert the other end of the threader between your teeth near the gumline and pull the floss through the teeth. You will need to repeat this process with every tooth.
You can purchase floss threaders in the dental care section of your pharmacy. Some stores even sell pre-threaded pieces of floss that are useful for orthodontic patients.
Yes, flossing during your orthodontic treatment will take more time and effort, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Flossing will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout your treatment, and it will go a long way in preventing future problems if you keep up the habit. Keep in mind that you’ll only be in braces for two years or so, and then you can return to your normal routine.
If you don’t feel that you have the time or patience to make such adjustments to your oral hygiene routine, you may opt for a clear tray alignment system, such as Invisalign, to straighten your teeth instead. The trays can be removed for brushing and flossing and require no accommodations whatsoever.
Regardless of the method of orthodontic treatment you choose, it’s essential to keep your mouth clean during treatment. Contact the office of Dr. Seth Newman at 516-626-2060 for advice and instructions on how to accomplish this important goal.
Of course, a clean healthy mouth is just as important for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment as it is for anyone. So, these patients must take extra steps to ensure that their oral hygiene routine is effective.
It is possible to floss with braces, although it will require you to adopt a different technique than traditional flossing. Your orthodontist can give you special floss threaders that will help you work around the wires. These threaders have thin plastic loops in which you place the floss. Then you insert the other end of the threader between your teeth near the gumline and pull the floss through the teeth. You will need to repeat this process with every tooth.
You can purchase floss threaders in the dental care section of your pharmacy. Some stores even sell pre-threaded pieces of floss that are useful for orthodontic patients.
Yes, flossing during your orthodontic treatment will take more time and effort, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Flossing will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout your treatment, and it will go a long way in preventing future problems if you keep up the habit. Keep in mind that you’ll only be in braces for two years or so, and then you can return to your normal routine.
If you don’t feel that you have the time or patience to make such adjustments to your oral hygiene routine, you may opt for a clear tray alignment system, such as Invisalign, to straighten your teeth instead. The trays can be removed for brushing and flossing and require no accommodations whatsoever.
Regardless of the method of orthodontic treatment you choose, it’s essential to keep your mouth clean during treatment. Contact the office of Dr. Seth Newman at 516-626-2060 for advice and instructions on how to accomplish this important goal.
