Braces create small ledges, nooks, and crannies for food deposits and make it difficult to brush or floss away plaque. As a result, we routinely see after braces are removed that teens experience a high amount of cavities or permanent white spots around their front teeth.
After investing all that time and money in getting that perfect smile, its just not worth the hassle of dealing with post-orthodontic dental decay. Thats why it’s even more important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen throughout the length of your treatment than it was before.
Cleaning braces by careful brushing and flossing, preferably after every meal and snack, is the best way to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay and gum disease. The water jet is also an effective tool to remove plaque and debris lodged deep between teeth and around braces. The water jet shoots a pulsing stream of water that dislodges remaining food particles. Adding an antiseptic dental rinse to the water is recommended. Use the water jet after your regular brushing and flossing routine.
When teens have braces, we also recommend more frequent professional cleanings if the child is struggling with maintaining their oral hygeine.
To learn more about taking care of your teeth with braces, make an appointment with us!