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Oral Hygiene
& Maintenance
Instructions for Separators
All Types of Brackets
Damon Bracket System of Braces
Invisalign Trays & Retainers
Dental Headgear
Creating a beautiful smile is a partnership between you and
your orthodontist,
Dr. Molayem. Your orthodontist can only do so much of the work
while you are in his office. For the rest of the time, it is
your job to make sure that your treatment goes as smoothly as
possible. Most importantly, you must keep your teeth and gums
as clean as possible; this is true whether or not you are getting
orthodontic treatment.
Once you start treatment, it will be a little harder to keep
your teeth and gums healthy; this is because you will have an
appliance in your mouth that can harbor bacteria.
If you have a bonded orthodontic appliance in your mouth such
as metal braces, clear braces
or a bonded retainer, it is important to spend a little extra
time when you brush your teeth. Remember, you must still floss
your teeth- it will take a little longer at first but keeping
the area between your teeth clean will ensure that your teeth
become straighter faster. If you have a removable orthodontic
appliance such as retainers or Invisalign
then you can brush your appliance with a toothbrush and toothpaste
and even use a denture cleaner. Below you will find specific
instructions on keeping your mouth and your orthodontic appliance
healthy and clean. You can find all of this information in Dr.
Molayem's offices as well.
| Oral Hygiene & Maintenance |
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It is imperative that meticulous oral hygiene be maintained
during any orthodontic treatment. Here are some guidelines for
keeping your mouth healthy:
Use a toothpaste that has fluoride in it and a toothbrush
with soft bristles. Use a floss that is waxed.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day: after breakfast
and before you go to sleep.
Floss every night before you brush your teeth. This
will clean the area between your teeth so that the fluoride
in the water and in your toothpaste can penetrate all tooth
surfaces.
To floss, gently rock the floss between your teeth
so that the floss goes beyond the contact of the teeth. Scrape
in an up-and-down motion each side of each tooth with
the floss so that you are removing plaque from between each
tooth.
Place your brush at an angle of 45 degrees against
the gums.
Brush the gums. Move the brush gently along the gumline
using a circular motion. It is important to brush your
gums as well as your teeth. Spend about 5 seconds on each
tooth before moving onto the next tooth.
Brush the braces. Press your toothbrush firmly enough so
that the bristles spread into the gaps between the wire and
the tooth. Brush in and around all of the brackets and wires
of your braces. Ensure that you brush under the wires.
Brush the inside surfaces of your teeth. Do this
using a gentle jiggling motion and systematically move
the brush around your mouth, brushing the upper and lower
teeth.
For the chewing surfaces, use a firm back and forth
motion.
Brush your tongue gently from back to front. Tongue
plaque is a common cause of bad breath.
Finally, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Then closely
inspect your teeth and braces in the mirror to check that
they are clean and shiny.
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| Instructions for Separators |
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Please do not try to remove the separators. If they fall out
by accident on the first or second day then call the office
for an appointment; it is not necessary to call the office
if they fall out after the first few days.
The separators will make your teeth sore; this is normal.
Brush your teeth carefully around the separators so they
don't fall out.
Try not to eat sticky foods that will pull the separators
out.
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| All Types of Brackets |
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Brackets, whether traditional, clear or damon, are bonded
to the tooth. This bond is fairly strong, but brackets
might still fall off. Dr. Molayem can fabricate a mouth-guard
to be worn while playing sports. Also, there are some
foods that you should avoid: |
Chewy foods such as bagels, hard rolls, pizza crust or
beef jerky.
Crunchy foods such as popcorn or ice.
Sticky foods such as caramel, taffy or licorice.
Hard foods such as nuts, pretzels, crackers; fruits and
veggies should be cut thin and eaten carefully.
Do not chew on hard things such as pens, pencils or fingernails.
Avoid all type of gum
If you happen to break a bracket, save it, call our
offices immediately, schedule an appointment as soon as
possible and bring the bracket with you to the appointment!
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| Damon Bracket System of Braces |
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Damon brackets are similar to traditional brackets and so
they must be maintained the same way as traditional brackets
with a minor addition. With these brackets, Dr. Molayem must
be able to open and close the latch. Minerals can deposit
on the brackets and this can seal them shut. You can brush
the brackets with your toothbrush and a little bit of white
vinegar (not red or balsamic, this will stain your teeth).
The vinegar will break up any deposits.
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| Invisalign Trays & Retainers |
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Invisalign trays and retainers should be worn for 18-20
hours per day for the first year and nightly for at least
a year after that.
Do not eat with your appliance in.
Brush your appliance every morning with a toothbrush and
toothpaste. If they seem dirty you can soak them in denture
cleaner.
Do not leave them in hot water or alcohol; this can warp
them.
Do not put your retainers or aligners in tissue paper while
you are eating. You are almost guaranteed to loose it this
way. Please place your retainer in its box while you are eating.
Bring your retainers to every visit to Dr. Molayem so that
he can make sure that they are fitting properly and adjust
them if need be.
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| Dental Headgear |
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The headgear should be worn for as long as you are sleeping.
They do not need to be worn during the day or in public.
You might notice that your teeth are sore for the first
few days. Aspirin or Advil can be taken to alleviate the sensitivity.
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