There’s a close relationship between oral hygiene and orthodontic treatment.[1] Indeed, treatment cannot really be successful without your involvement – that is without good and effective oral hygiene.
Dr. Normand Bach and his team, located in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal in Montreal, have specialized in orthodontics for many years, and stress that maintaining optimal oral hygiene plays an important role in the success of orthodontic treatments.
From the outset, following a strict oral hygiene routine can help you avoid unpleasant side effects and achieve the best results.[2] Throughout your treatment – whether with traditional braces or Invisalign-style aligners – taking care of your teeth is a must.
Indeed, food debris can easily get trapped and contribute to dental plaque formation. Without proper oral hygiene, this may lead to white spots on the enamel, tooth decay, and even gum inflammation.[3]
By maintaining good oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment, you can avoid such situations and ensure the success of the work your orthodontist started.
Brushing Your Teeth is Essential!
People often wonder how often and for how long we should brush our teeth to ensure effective cleaning.
The following generally applies:
- Brush your teeth after every meal and, ideally, before bedtime (4 times a day)
- Effective brushing that cleans the teeth and orthodontic wires takes an average of 3 minutes.
Of course, if you have an Invisalign treatment, simply remove the aligners and then brush your teeth for the same duration and number of times.
It’s also important to use gentle movements, to thoroughly clean around the braces and along the orthodontic wires. One final tip: don’t forget to gently brush your gums, even if they’re sensitive.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush
There are many types of toothbrushes on the market. If you’re looking for an electric toothbrush, consider ORAL B™ and Philips™, which are often recommended for their high precision. These brands also offer models that are appropriate for orthodontic treatment.
If you prefer traditional toothbrushes, consider V-shaped bristles. These toothbrushes are very useful to ensure thorough cleaning during your orthodontic treatment.
Interdental brushes are another alternative. They’re highly effective for cleaning between your teeth and some hard-to-reach areas around your braces.
Keep in mind that dental floss is essential to oral hygiene because it allows you to access more difficult or less visible areas. Also consider using a dental floss threader.
Oral Hygiene and Orthodontics: Impact of Poor Oral Hygiene During Treatment
We briefly addressed this point at the beginning of the article. Remember that neglecting your oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment can lead to complications. These problems can interrupt your treatment and even have lasting consequences.
White spots, for example, will stay on your teeth after your treatment. These spots are caused by the demineralization of the enamel, and they will remain visible.
Moreover, there’s a higher risk of cavities. If you end up with a cavity, it may require more immediate care and slow down your treatment.
Follow-Ups and Assessments: The Keys to Successful Treatments
Dr. Normand Bach and his Montreal team will follow the progress of your treatment and closely monitor your oral hygiene.
They offer personalized advice that will ensure the success of your treatment.
Don’t miss follow-up appointments, and don’t neglect your oral hygiene. These two aspects are key to successful treatments. They’ll produce better results and improve the quality of your treatment. Moreover, don’t forget to protect your teeth and gums.
For sound advice, innovative treatments, and exceptional professional experience, book an appointment at Dr. Normand Bach’s orthodontic clinic today. We’ll take care of you immediately.
[1] Al Mulla, AH, Kharsa, SA & Al-Mutairi, MA (2019). Impact des appareils orthodontiques fixes sur la santé bucco-dentaire Qualité de vie liée à la santé chez les adolescents. Préférences et adhésion des patients, 13, 1443–1449. https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S210093.
[2] Autuoro, P. (2023). Les procédures d’hygiène des patients porteurs d’appareils orthodontiques amovibles : une enquête réalisée dans l’unité d’ODF du CVHU de Nice. https://dumas.ccsd.cnrs.fr/dumas-04197713/file/2023NICED008.pdf
[3] Antezack, A. & Monnet-Corti, V. (2018). Hygiène orale et parodontale chez les patients porteurs de dispositifs orthodontiques. L’Orthodontie Française, 89(2), 181-190.
