Helpful Products
Toothbrushes
Manual toothbrushes: Many toothbrushes work well with orthodontic appliances, select one with soft bristles. A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on the gums and enamel, making it ideal for individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment. It helps prevent damage to braces or wires while effectively cleaning teeth and brackets. Our brushing guide is here.
Electric Toothbrushes: An electric toothbrush can assist in thoroughly cleaning around braces and wires. The oscillating bristles can reach areas that traditional brushes may miss, promoting better overall oral health. Additionally, a timer feature helps to be sure enough time is given to brushing. Oral-B and Sonicare are two popular makers of effective electric toothbrushes.
Interproximal Brushes: These brushes are small, cone-shaped tools used to clean between teeth, around brackets, and under wires. They are beneficial for removing plaque and debris that accumulate during orthodontic treatment. These brushes are commonly termed “proxy brushes.”
Flossing
Cleaning between the teeth with floss can be a challenge with or without braces. The following products are some tools that can be helpful for cleaning under and around the orthodontic appliances and between the teeth.
Super Floss: Super-floss is comprised of three unique components—a stiffened-end dental floss threader, spongy floss and regular floss- all working together for maximum benefits. The stiff end eases threading the floss under the orthodontic wire and the spongy portion aids in removing plaque and other debris trapped between the teeth.
Platypus Flosser: These disposable flossers have a special flattened handle to get the floss between the orthodontic wire and the teeth. It also comes in a more environmentally friendly design, “Earthwise” by Platypus Co.
Floss threaders: Floss threaders do as the name implies, they help get the floss under the wires for better cleaning.
Soft-Picks: Gum Soft-Picks are a great tool to clean between the teeth and below the braces. They have soft, rubber bristles that gently slide between the teeth for improved cleaning
Water Flosser: Water-pik makes a “Water-flosser” which may be beneficial for cleaning around the braces and in between teeth. These are not substitutes to great brushing, but they can be helpful to remove plaque, food, and debris.
Topical Fluoride
Fluoride Rinses: Mouthwash with fluoride is an additional defense against cavities and white spot scars due to inadequate brushing and/or excessive sugar consumption. Most rinses contain Sodium Fluoride, the most common active ingredient in fluoridated rinses. Phos-Flor also contains acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) has a lower pH that may enhance enamel uptake of the fluoride. Select a flavor of Fluoride mouth rinse the patient will use regularly to improve results. Follow the specific instructions on the manufacturer’s label.
Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste: Slightly different than the more common Sodium Fluoride (NaF), Stannous Fluoride (SnF) is an anti-bacterial agent that's clinically shown to protect against gingivitis, plaque and tooth sensitivity, while still providing the trusted cavity protection. Crest, Colgate, Sensodyne, and other brands offer toothpaste formulations with SnF.
Aligner and Retainer Care
Ultrasonic aligner cleaner: Using sonic vibration, these devices help remove stains and deposits from the aligners or retainers. After use, be sure to wash and rinse the aligners/retainers thoroughly. They are available from many retailers, especially online.
Aligner cleaning crystals: Cleaning crystals are effective in removing stains and bacteria from clear aligners. They help maintain the clarity and hygiene of aligners throughout treatment. Invisalign and Retainer Brite are common makers of aligner cleaning crystals. Use as directed by the product label.
Aligner Pul Tool: Some aligners are difficult to remove, a Pul tool can taking aligners out of your mouth easier.
Aligner Chewies: Aligner chewies, or aligner seaters, are small plastic cylinders that you can use with clear aligners for teeth. Biting on them can help your aligner conform well to your teeth. Invisalign and several other retailers offer chewies with proper instructions.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us at Kuhlberg Orthodontics, helping you understand your care is one of the best services we can offer to ensure you receive the best possible results.