Your treatment with us is part of your lifetime commitment to oral health. We will work with you and your dentist throughout treatment to monitor your hygiene so your smile won’t just be more beautiful, it will be healthier. Good oral hygiene habits make treatment most effective and help keep your mouth clean and healthy for years to come.

We (and the American Dental Association) recommend that you brush your teeth a minimum of twice each day with a soft-bristled brush.

We know it’s tough to find time to floss, but it’s just so important! Flossing regularly removes plaque from the areas between teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach, and it helps to prevent gum disease and cavities.

Mouth rinses help prevent tooth decay, gingivitis and many other dental problems (and they make your breath fantastic!). When selecting a mouth rinse, be sure to look for the ADA seal.

These are tiny brushes that you use to clean in between and around the brackets. Make sure no crumb is left behind!

When our patients get braces, they also get the tools they need to keep their teeth clean! We are the only practice in the area that is a part of Oral-B’s OrthoEssentials Program, which offers a complimentary electric toothbrush package with every comprehensive braces treatment.

• DO NOT eat food that can get stuck in or damage your braces
• DO NOT chew on hard objects
• DO NOT hesitate to call if something is loose or broken
• DO eat less sugar
• DO use salt water rinse for the first few days after an appointment
• DO maintain your oral hygiene
• DO manage any discomfort
• DO listen to the instructions we provide and ask us any questions

Patients with braces can eat almost any food, but there are some foods that could cause trouble and should be avoided, including:

• Hard candies
• Nuts
• Chewy/gummy candy or taffy
• Popcorn
• Gum

For all other foods – especially chewy foods – we recommend cutting or tearing the foods into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat.

Accidents happen, but we’ve got you covered! Our office provides full-time emergency coverage. If your braces are causing discomfort or if something breaks, simply call our office and someone will be available to assist you. In most cases, we can address an issue over the telephone. If an emergency appointment is required, we will be there for you.

When our area’s dentists and their staffs choose an orthodontist for their children, they choose Dr. Gary Udis.