If you are tired of living with a crooked smile and have recently made the choice to undergo much-wanted orthodontic treatment, you have made a wise decision! Braces are the most common means to straighten your teeth. By attaching metal wires and brackets to the teeth, your teeth will be moved into their correct positions.
However, while braces are effective, they can also create a certain challenge when it comes to caring for your teeth. You need to brush and floss properly while undergoing orthodontic treatment for a more beautiful and aligned smile. But, when you have braces, flossing requires a different approach. As your orthodontists in Ohio, Dr. Jeff, Dr. Soo and Dr. Betina have the information you need to floss properly while straightening your teeth.
How to Floss with Braces
When wearing braces, stray food particles and harmful plaque often become trapped around the braces, bands and wires. If plaque and food are not removed daily, you increase the risk of developing cavities. To prevent cavity development, be sure you floss your teeth diligently each day.
Flossing with braces is going to be a bit different and will take a little longer than flossing without braces. Expect to spend about 3 minutes each day flossing your pearly whites. To ensure you achieve the best flossing benefits, choose a high-quality waxed floss that is supported with the ADA seal of approval. Note: You do not want to use unwaxed floss because it tends to get caught in the braces and shredding the floss.
You are going to need to pull out about 18 inches of floss to clean your teeth comfortably. Carefully thread the floss under the main wire of your braces. Then, pass the floss in between two teeth. Form a “C” shape around the tooth and extend the floss up to the gum line.
You will then need to remove the floss. This time, re-thread the floss underneath the main wire and insert it between two teeth. Again, form a “C” shape around the tooth and slide the floss down to the crown of the tooth. You need to repeat this process for each tooth you clean.
When flossing, be careful not to snap the floss onto the gum line. In addition, slide the floss gently so you do not hit the main wire of the braces too hard. If you hit the wire roughly, it may cause the wire to become loose or break.
If you are a parent of a young child undergoing orthodontic treatment, you will probably need to help them floss each day until they develop the coordination to do so on their own.
Your Orthodontist for a Straight Smile
As your orthodontists in New Albany, Westerville and Pataskala, OH, we love spreading healthy smiles, whether it is in Granville, Powell, and Newark, Ohio, we work to ensure you have a healthy, appealing smile after your treatment is finished. To ensure your smile looks and feels its very best, you will need to practice proper oral hygiene while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Remember, Brushing alone is not enough and you need to properly floss your teeth each day. Consider it time well spent to invest in your new, beautifully straight smile once your treatment is complete!
We Are the Orthodontist Near You
Shirck Orthodontics is pleased to offer orthodontics to help you and your family create the smiles you deserve, with five convenient office locations in New Albany, Pataskala, Westerville, Newark and Powell, OH that proudly serve patients throughout Sunbury, Granville, Johnstown, Newark, Reynoldsburg, Blacklick, and the surrounding communities. Start your journey to a straight smile by scheduling your appointment with our experienced teams today! Our exceptional orthodontists, Dr. Jeff, Dr. Soo and Dr. Betina are always here to help you create the smile you have always wanted!