orthodontic care

Orthodontic patients may want to look at using an orthodontic brush, single tufted brush, fluoride mouthrinse or gel, as well as toothpaste and ortho wax to protect the lips and cheeks from rubbing.

Adults with crooked or crowded teeth are increasingly being recommended to orthodontic specialists not just to improve looks, but as your dentist will tell you, straight teeth enable you to clean more thoroughly and talk and chew food more easily. Your specialist, after a thorough assessment, will advise on the best treatment plan and orthodontic appliance for you. Usually known as braces, the choice is varied between removable – which can be taken out for cleaning - or a fixed style which are only removed by the orthodontist at the end of the treatment. Then there are the style options of ceramic, plastic and of course metal. Depending on the complexity of your case your treatment can last for several months up to two years and may involve removal of teeth.

It is during this time oral hygiene is at its most important and to avoid build up of decay and more serious gum problems, it may take as much as three times longer to clean you teeth than usual and require cleaning after every meal. Again your orthodontist will advise you on all the cleaning methods at your disposal suitable to the type of treatment you opt for - from disclosing tablets that show where plaque builds up; specialized tooth brushes to get into hard to reach areas to fluoride rinses.  You of course can manage the process by being mindful of what you eat as hard foods may damage braces and sticky foods may adhere to them and avoiding all sugary foods and fizzy drinks means avoiding teeth decay.