Orthodontic food restrictions

 It’s best that you brush your teeth at least 2-3 times a day, preferably after each meal.  We recommend that you not use whitening products since you won’t be able to whiten the entire surface of the teeth while wearing braces/Invisalign attachments.

When brushing, you should:

• Start on the outside of your teeth and work the brush in circular motions at a straight angle.
• Brush upper jaw with a downward angle (for the lower jaw, angle up) when cleaning between braces and gums.
• Brush upper jaw with an upward angle (use a downward angle for the lower jaw) as you finish cleaning the outside of your teeth.
• Be gentle while brushing the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Brush the inside surfaces of your teeth last.
• Brush your tongue and the palate (roof of your mouth)
• Brush any removable appliances you are wearing.
• We recommend using an interdental toothbrush to help keep your braces, gums, and teeth clean.

 Use either an antiseptic dental rinse or warm water to rinse your teeth after flossing. You should also brush your removable appliance whenever you brush your teeth to remove plaque and particles of food from it. Add a partial or retainer-cleaning tablet to a cup of room temperature tap water and soak your appliance for about 15-20 minutes every 2-3 days, rinse with water and return to wear or retainer case.  Do not soak overnight. Do not place in dishwasher or use hot water, this may distort the appliance