Orthodontics
Different solutions offered
In order to provide you with the best treatment possible that truly fits your needs and expectations, the orthodontics department team offers different solutions:
- Invisalign clear aligners;
- conventional orthodontics for children and adults;
- braces;
- removable prosthesis.
Toothbrushing and orthodontics
Toothbrushing is even more important if you are wearing braces or other orthodontic appliance. Indeed, food tends to stay stuck in the braces, building plaque, leading to dental decay and bad breath. Brush your teeth two to three times a day (after each meal) and floss before going to bed.
Toothbrushing tips:
- Position the toothbrush straight on your teeth;
- Guide the bristles under the main wire of the braces, then between your teeth;
- Brush all parts of your mouth, proceeding in small circular motions. This is to be done on each side of the main wire;
- Keeping a circular motion, brush the surface of your teeth, gums, your tongue and around the braces;
- Once this is done, your braces should be shiny and your gums hard and of a pink hue;
- Good toothbrushing should last three minutes and be performed within 10 minutes after a meal.
Toothbrushing and flossing could be difficult in the first week after your orthodontics treatment, but remember that it will get easier over time. If you follow these tips every day, your teeth will be cleaner, your breath fresher and dental decay prevention is maintained throughout your treatment. Moreover, recent studies have shown that teeth move better when the gum is healthy.
Think before eating!
Here are a few practical tips on foods to avoid when you wear braces:
- Avoid hard candy and gelatinous food such as caramel, hard gum and jelly-type candy;
- Refrain from biting into ice cubes: they can break the adhesive bonding your teeth and the brackets;
- Avoid soft drinks and other sugary beverages. Sugar contributes to the formation of plaque causing cavities and bad breath. Drink water or fresh juice;
- Avoid eating nuts or pop corn. One bite could damage your orthodontic appliance;
- Nibbling on a pen or pencil or bitting your nails can damage your braces;
- Avoid raw food such as apples and carrots. Cook them as not to bend your braces’ wire or detach the brackets;
- In short, if food cannot be simply cut with a fork, it is too hard to be eaten with braces.
If you follow these tips every day, the pain of the treatment will be greatly reduced. Remember that your braces will improve your appearance and allow you to keep a healthy smile for years to come.
Retainer care
Once your orthodontics treatment is over, you should wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place. It will prevent them from moving back to their initial position. In general, a retainer is worn continuously over a limited period of time, then only at night, for as long as you wish to maintain the ideal alignment of your teeth.
Wearing it at all times
At first, your speech will be slightly affected. Do not worry, it will not last very long. In fact, you will talk normally within two and three days.
Remember, the more you wear your retainer, the better you will speak when you are wearing it. Only take your retainer out when you are practising an intense sport or while eating.
Keep it clean
Each time you brush your teeth, brush both sides of your retainer under cold water. Soak it in mouthwash while eating to enjoy a discreet fresh mint scent after your meal!
If your lower retainer is bonded to your teeth, clean it with a toothbrush and floss once to twice a day.
Handle with care!
Put your retainer in its box (and not a paper napkin)! You certainly do not want it to be thrown away by mistake. If you break it, do not try to fix it yourself, contact us immediately. If you have a dog that enjoys chewing on things, do not let your retainer lying around. Your retainer does not enjoy heat; avoid leaving it in hot water or expose it to sun rays. Do not put it in the dish washer!
Remember that if you take proper care of it, your retainer will last longer and you will be rewarded with a beautiful and healthy smile!
