Instructions for Orthodontic Patients

I. Tooth Brushing and Flossing

A. Brush your teeth and gums thoroughly after each meal. Floss at least once a day after brushing.
 Brush your teeth in all directions with orthodontic toothbrush.
 Use the small interdental toothbrush to clean any remaining plaque off your teeth.
 Concentrate on the area between your gums, the brackets and underneath the archwire.
 ALWAYS CLEAN AFTER EVERY MEAL AND BEFORE YOU GO TO BED
 Use of a fluoridated toothpaste is recommended. (If toothpaste is unavailable, brush without.)
 Use your fluoride mouth rinse each night after brushing prior to bedtime.

II. Eating Habits

A. Nothing sticky, gummy, chewy or hard. Examples:

 No gum, toffees, nuts, popcorn, ice cubes, crusty breads, nutty cereal and hard biscuits.
 Cut raw fruits and vegetables into sections.
 Cut corn off the cob.
 Don’t bite into chicken or ribs on the bone.

III. Helpful Hints for Irritation

 If a wire has come loose and is poking you in the mouth use white wax to cover the appliance
until you visit the dentist.
 Rinse mouth with warm salt water.
 For tooth soreness take a mild analgesic

IV. Telephone

 Feel free to call if there are any questions.

 Call immediately if a wire breaks or of a band or bracket comes loose. We need to schedule a
special appointment to repair.
 Please call 48 hours in advance to cancel an appointment.

V. Important-Do not forget!

 If you are wearing a retainer or any appliance or if a bracket or wire breaks, always bring it with
you to each appointment.
 Broken appliances and cancelled appointments will prolong treatment.
 Cooperation in wearing elastics, removable appliances and following instructions is most
important to treatment success.
 See your dentist for regular dental check-ups.
 Keeping your teeth in place

 After you get your braces off, you will most likely have to wear a retainer to make sure your
teeth stay in their new positions long enough for the new bone to harden.
 You can take the retainer out when you eat, and to brush and floss.
 It is important that you wear your retainer as much as possible and that you take good care of it.
 You should brush your retainer whenever you brush your teeth.
 Your dentist will decide how long you will need to wear your retainer.