Helpful Resources for Patients

Peroxyl

Peroxyl can help to heal irritations in the mouth. By swishing two teaspoons or the contents of a sample packet for at least one minute, Peroxyl provides relief and soothes discomfort. It can be used up to four times a day, offering you convenience and effective care.

Orabase

Orabase can be directly applied to canker or mouth sores. Its purpose is to alleviate pain and promote healing. Applying it up to four times daily can bring you relief and support your oral health during your braces journey.

Disclosing Tablets

Disclosing tablets can be a valuable tool to ensure thorough brushing. By chewing half a tablet, swishing it around your mouth, and then spitting it out, you can identify areas that may have been missed during brushing. These tablets reveal any remaining plaque on your teeth, allowing you to focus on those spots and improve your oral hygiene routine.

Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean your braces. We recommend brushing after every meal, but if that’s not possible during school hours, rinsing your mouth can help. Before you hit the pillow, brush carefully with a rotating motion between your gums and braces. Remember, no snacks after your final brushing.

Use a Waterpik Once Each Day

Incorporate a Waterpik into your daily routine. This handy device effectively removes food particles and plaque. Use it once a day, ensuring the pressure is not too high. Place the tip of the Waterpik between your teeth, holding it for five seconds before moving to the next tooth. Consider adding a small amount of mouthwash to the warm water for additional freshness.

Use Wax for Sore Spots

Wax can come to the rescue if you feel a wire poking your cheek or a sharp edge on your braces. Simply pull off a small piece, roll it into a ball, and place it directly on the discomforting area. However, if you experience a broken wire or a bracket coming off, call us for assistance.

To protect your braces, it’s crucial to avoid gum chewing, nail biting, chewing on pencils, and putting non-edible items in your mouth. While we provide a no-no list of foods to avoid on the day your braces are put on, remember to use common sense when making food choices to minimize any potential issues.

If your chosen sport requires a mouthguard, the answer is a resounding yes. While standard store-bought mouthguards help prevent tooth movement, they can hinder the natural shifting of your teeth. That’s why we recommend a flat plane mouth guard, which allows for comfortable movement while still providing protection. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Simply ask our friendly staff or doctors when you need an appropriate mouthguard for your sporting activities. Your smile’s safety is our priority!

Straight teeth make brushing and flossing more effective because there are fewer hard-to-reach areas where plaque can accumulate. When braces or aligners correct crowding and spacing issues, patients often achieve better gum health because it’s easier to remove bacteria that cause gingivitis. With traditional braces, we recommend specialized brushes and flossing aids to clean around brackets and wires. For clear aligner patients, brushing after every meal before reinserting the trays keeps bacteria in check. Improved oral hygiene during treatment sets patients up for a lifetime of healthier dental habits and reduces the likelihood of gum disease or tooth decay later on.

Beyond physical health, a straighter smile often has meaningful psychological and social benefits. Many patients report increased self-confidence, improved self-esteem, and feeling more comfortable smiling in social or professional settings after treatment. Children and teens in particular may experience less self-consciousness about their appearance, which can positively impact school performance and peer interactions. Adults frequently cite feeling more confident in job interviews, presentations, and daily life. A healthier smile isn’t just functional — it can influence emotional well-being and how others perceive you.

Orthodontic appliances extend beyond braces and aligners. Expanders are used to widen the upper jaw when it’s too narrow, creating more space for crowded teeth and improving bite relationships. Space maintainers are devices used in children who lose baby teeth early — they hold open space until permanent teeth are ready to come in, preventing adjacent teeth from drifting and causing crowding. These appliances work gently over weeks or months to guide growth and positioning. They’re customized for each patient’s needs and often improve treatment outcomes by preventing more complex issues later.

Once active orthodontic treatment ends, retention becomes the key to long-lasting results. Wearing retainers as instructed — whether removable or fixed — helps ensure your teeth stay aligned as bone and tissues stabilize. Retention wear schedules vary, but many patients wear retainers daily at first, then transition to nighttime wear indefinitely. Consistent retainer use prevents natural shifting that can occur with aging or changes in oral habits. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and reporting any issues early all contribute to preserving your beautiful smile for life.