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Brushing and Flossing Techniques

The three steps to Effective Brushing

Step 1

In this step you want to concentrate on brushing all areas of each individual tooth using circular motions.  You also want to make sure that you lightly massage your gum tissue with your tooth brush at this time.

 

Step 2

In this step you want to angle your tooth brush at a 45 degree angle and brush along the bottom of all brackets.  This allows the bristles of the toothbrush to brush under each bracket, under the wire, and in between the brackets.

 

Step 3

In this step you want to angle your tooth brush at a 45 degree angle and brush along the top of all brackets.  This allows the bristles of the toothbrush to brush above each bracket, under the wire, and in between the brackets.

 

 

How to Floss

Flossing is one of the most important parts of taking care of your teeth during your orthodontic treatment. To practice good flossing technique, follow these simple directions:

When flossing with braces on, it might be necessary to use what's called a floss threader. This reusable tool allows you to get dental floss underneath your archwire easily.

Cut off about 18 inches of floss and loop it through your threader, run the threader under your archwire between two brackets, and, holding one end of the floss, gently pull the threader off.

Loop the ends of the floss around your index fingers, forming a "C," and gently floss between your teeth as you normally would. Make sure to carefully clean along your gumline on both sides. When finished between two teeth, just pull the floss through, re-thread the floss through the loop, and repeat the process between your next pair of teeth.

It's a good idea to get into the habit of flossing at night before you go to bed. That way, you won't feel as rushed and will take your time. Flossing with braces on may seem like a difficult process, but it's very important. And as with anything, a little practice will make it go a lot faster.