Tools to Maintain New Braces
Your new set of braces installed by Dr. Amber Burgess are a serious investment in realigning your son or daughter’s teeth for a more appealing smile and a healthy mouth. Encouraging them to be diligent about cleaning their teeth and braces will reduce the chances that they will suffer complications from gum disease and cavities.
Dr. Burgess recommends a few basic tools to help them better clean around some of the hard to reach places between their teeth and braces hardware.
A floss threader is a simple, loop shaped tool that can help work floss between teeth in places where a wire or other piece of hardware might be in the way. Nylon floss with a waxy coating works best as it slips easily into place.
Interdental brushes have small angled brush heads. Your child can use them to brush between wires and brackets to effectively remove plaque and food particles.
Oral irrigators provide a concentrated stream of water that can be used to loosen and wash away food particles from hard to reach places. Just remember that they are not an effective substitute for of floss and its ability to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line
If you have questions about other ways you can help your child keep their braces clean, you can call Dr. Burgess at 512-270-0030 to set up a consultation appointment or schedule online.