Excellent oral hygiene is a must during any form of orthodontic treatment.  Regardless of whether you are wearing Invisalign or a tooth straightening system that utilizes brackets and wires – keeping your teeth clean throughout your entire treatment ensures that your teeth will not only be straight, but free from cavities.

NW Calgary Orthodontist – Dr. Cory Liss – stresses the importance of maintaining a satisfactory level of oral hygiene, which involves brushing and flossing twice a day and seeing your regular Dentist and hygienist for routine cleanings and check-ups.  Though you are under the care of an orthodontist, treatment is limited to addressing bite issues, so keeping a close relationship with you family dentist during orthodontic treatment is still essential.  Patients who neglect their oral hygiene while wearing braces are disappointed to hear at the end of treatment that their teeth are straight – but full of cavities!  And the worst part is that cavities are easily prevented with just a few minutes of brushing and flossing.

Orthodontic brackets and wires provide the perfect place for food to become trapped and plaque to quickly form.  Plaque buildup not only contributes to the formation of tooth decay but also impacts orthodontic treatment – slowing tooth movement and impeding treatment results.  Keeping your mouth and teeth clean while wearing orthodontic braces and appliances not only helps prevent tooth decay and gum inflammation – but also keeps your treatment results on schedule.

Calgary Orthodontists love to create beautiful, healthy smiles – and share some pointers on how to keep your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment:

• Brush after you have eaten or drank a sugary snack
• Use an electric toothbrush that has a head specifically designed to fit around brackets and wires
• Don’t rush when you brush – take at least two full minutes to ensure that each tooth has been cleaned
• Floss every day to remove food remnants and plaque from between teeth
• Make sure you see your Family Dentist in Calgary for regular cleanings
• Avoid sticky and sugary snacks – especially sugar-laden sodas

For more information regarding orthodontic treatment in Calgary and how to keep your braces and teeth clean – contact Cory Liss Orthodontics today 403.287.0746