Oral Hygiene Program

Your treatment with us is part of your lifetime commitment to your 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 will make your treatment faster, more effective, and give you a better final result. The good habits created during your orthodontic treatment teach you to keep your mouth clean and healthy for the rest of your life.

When our patients get braces, they also get all the tools they need to keep their teeth clean! We are the only practice in the area that is part of Oral-B’s OrthoEssentials Program, and we give you a FREE Oral-B electric toothbrush and a care package with superfloss, Fluoride mouthwash and other goodies the same day you get your braces on with every comprehensive braces treatment!

Brushing

We (and the American Dental Association) recommend that you brush your teeth a minimum of 2 minutes, twice a day. Soft-bristled brushes work best.

Flossing

It may seem daunting to floss with braces, but there are tricks to make it easy! Orthodontic flossers (that fit between your braces) work best. Waterpik water flossers are a good second choice. Flossing is incredibly important, as it removes plaque from the areas between teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach, and it helps to prevent gum disease and cavities.

Interdental

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

Rinsing

Mouth rinses help prevent tooth decay (especially ones with fluoride), gingivitis and many other dental problems (and they make your breath smell fantastic!). When selecting a mouth rinse, be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Approval.

Braces Care

To Do or Not To Do

DO NOT eat food that can get stuck in or damage your braces (The No-No List)
DO NOT chew on hard objects (pen caps, pencils, rocks…)
DO NOT hesitate to call if something is loose or broken

DO use a fluoride mouthwash daily to prevent cavities
DO eat less sugar
DO use saltwater rinses for the first few days after an appointment
DO maintain a good oral hygiene
DO manage any discomfort (you will get used to it quickly!)
DO listen to the instructions we provide and ask us any questions

Eating with Braces

Patients with braces can eat almost any food, but there are some foods that could cause trouble and should be avoided. Foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy are bad!!

Introducing the No-No List:

Hard candies
Nuts
Chewy/gummy candy or taffy
Popcorn
Gum
ICE — every time you chew on ice with braces, an orthodontist somewhere cries.

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

Clear Aligners Care

10 Rules of Clear Aligners

Aligners must be worn 22 hours a day, and only removed to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean your teeth — if you don’t wear them, they don’t work.
Tooth colored attachments or metal buttons may be placed on your teeth during treatment.
Teeth may need to be reshaped/polished to create space to straighten your teeth.
Cleaning the aligners: Place a few drops of mild soap on the aligner and use a soft toothbrush (or an electric brush at the lowest setting) and gently brush the aligners — pro tip, always try to rinse your aligner with water after you take them out, and before you put them back into your mouth.
When it is not in your face, it is in the case — dogs/cate LOVE chewing on aligners. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Tracking: if aligner doesn’t fit well or track, then you will notice a gap between the edge of the tray and your teeth. Use “chewies” to better fit your tray. Please let us know if the tooth/teeth continues not to track.
At the end of your current set of aligners, we may need to scan your teeth again to get another set of aligners to fine tune the bite, or overcorrect certain areas. The end of your current set of trays may not be the end of your treatment.
Dental work that changes the shape of your teeth (fillings or crowns) should be saved until after your orthodontic treatment if possible as it may cause your clear aligners to not fit well. If the dental work is absolutely necessary (as per your general dentist), please let us know asap!
Keep your scheduled appointments so your treatment stays on track
Retainers will be necessary at the end of treatment to keep your teeth straight

Emergency Appointments

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 a true emergency appointment is required, we will be there for you.

Where Dentists Take Their Kids

When our area’s dentists and their staff choose an orthodontist for their children, they choose Udis & Sethi Orthodontics! Come see why.

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