While braces, one of the indispensable parts of orthodontic treatment, can be very useful and therapeutic for patients, they can also become harmful if poor hygiene and careful care are not taken.
Failure to completely remove the food stuck between the wires;
1)White spot lesions (the stage before caries)
2)Caries
3) Gingival enlargement
4) It can cause more serious bleeding and gum recession due to gingivitis.
In addition, dental plaque, which consists of food residues, saliva components and bacteria on the tooth surfaces, can cause gum disease.
When plaque is not removed, it begins to mineralize within an average of 4-8 hours and we call this tartar.
The method to prevent all this from occurring is actually very simple - EFFECTIVE BRUSHING
Many patients may complain of edema and bleeding in their gums despite brushing their teeth 3 times a day. The essence of the job is to brush effectively with the right technique and the right brushes, rather than doing too much, as in everything else.
BRUSHING FIRST
The toothbrush is placed on the gum-facing surfaces of our brackets at a 45-degree angle.
After a 5-second rubbing movement on each tooth, continue with a sweeping movement from the gum of the tooth to the chewing surface, and this process should be applied after every meal.
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ORTHODONTIC INTERFACE BRUSH
Brushing alone is not sufficient to completely remove food. For this purpose, it is used at least once a day, especially before going to bed at night, to clean the spaces between brackets, teeth and wires. What needs to be taken into consideration is that the interdental brush bristles are thick enough to fully fill the interface surfaces.
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INTERFACE BRUSH
Between the contact points of our teeth. Excellent method for removing remaining food. It is much more practical and easier than dental floss for my patients receiving orthodontic treatment. The important thing here is to use an interdental brush of appropriate thickness without damaging your gums. It can be used without paste once a day before going to bed.
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WASHER
Brackets can create areas that are difficult to clean. For this reason, another application that helps us in cases where bacteria cannot be completely destroyed is mouthwash. For this purpose, mouthwashes containing entirely herbal ingredients are available. I recommend my patients to apply it twice a day, in the morning and at night, before going to bed, after brushing.
As an orthodontic specialist who has undergone braces treatment in the past, all these applications may seem too much and difficult at first, but once you get used to them, you will not want to leave an incomplete application :) Trust me ;) Creating a new habit and getting out of our comfort zone is sometimes really difficult. It can be difficult. However, I realize that focusing on the pleasure and results we will achieve as a result of the new habit is the most important tool that provides motivation for doing and maintaining that job ;) I THINK IT IS WORTH EVERYTHING to know that there will be days when you will enlighten yourself and those around you with your wonderful smile :) WISH YOU SMILE FREELY
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