Beautiful Smiles are a Team Effort Your family dentist and your orthodontist work together on your behalf. When you choose an orthodontist who displays this emblem, you are being treated by a professional who has completed advanced education required by the American Dental Association to permit announcement as "specialist in orthodontics." Dr. Jordan is also a member of the American Board of Orthodontics. Creating healthy smiles at any age is what we do. Teeth with Braces Need Special Care You and your orthodontist are now a team. You both want the same thing - a beautiful smile with healthy, white, straight teeth. Your orthodontist will straighten your teeth, but you are the one who must keep them healthy and white. You know that means brushing. Now that you have braces, proper brushing will take some extra time and effort. When your braces come off, you want your teeth to look their best, so start today to be your smile's best friend. Remember - brush ... rinse ... and look until your teeth and braces are spotlessly clean! These teeth and braces are spotlessly clean. Keep yours that way, and you will have a beautiful smile when your braces are removed. Don't let these things happen to your smile! Plaque and trapped food have made these gums sore and swollen. Careless brushing has left permanent marks on these teeth. Plaque is the Problem Plaque is a sticky, white substance that collects on your teeth. It is made up of bacteria, food and saliva. If plaque and trapped food are left on your teeth and around your braces, they can cause swollen gums, bad breath, marks on your teeth and cavities. Plaque also can discolor your teeth and make them look yellow. Don't let any of these things happen to you - be your smile's best friend by brushing often and properly. Also, remember to visit your family dentist for regular checkups. How and When to Brush You should use the kind of toothbrush and toothpaste your orthodontist recommends and use them often. Brush after every meal, especially if you have eaten anything sticky or sweet. If you cannot brush right away, be sure to at least rinse well with water until you can brush. It is a good idea to carry a special travel toothbrush when away from home. What is most important is that at least once every day you vigorously brush your teeth and braces until they are spotlessly clean. This takes extra time, so most patients do it at night before going to bed. Whatever time you choose to do this extra brushing, make absolutely sure your teeth and braces are as clean as you can get them. At least once a day, remove every trace of plaque and trapped food from your teeth and braces using the toothbrush, toothpaste and other techniques your orthodontist recommends. An interproximal brush is sometimes recommended as a hygiene aid. Remove every trace of plaque and trapped food from all the surfaces of your teeth fronts, backs, tops and under your wires (your orthodontist's assistant will show you how to do this). Pay very close attention to brushing the gum line because plaque left there will make your gums sore and swollen, which will make brushing even more difficult. This also is the time you should use dental floss, special brushes, mouthwashes and fluoride mouth rinse, if recommended by your orthodontist. After brushing you should rinse thoroughly. Swish the water all around your mouth and teeth. Then, inspect your teeth and braces carefully to make sure they are spotless. Do this by looking closely in a well-lighted mirror. This is very important because you cannot feel plaque but you can usually see it. You may have to brush and rinse two or three times before all the plaque is gone. This may sound difficult but remember, they are your teeth and you want to have them for the rest of your life. Keep your teeth and braces clean along the gum line, or they may become sore and swollen, which will make brushing more difficult. Be Your Smile's Best Friend