When you have braces, it's very important to brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, please ask us and we can help you choose the right products for your teeth and your appliance.

Brushing with Braces

Brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal with a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. As an alternative, you can use a powered toothbrush to increase your brushing effectiveness. Brush the outside and inside surfaces of your teeth using small, gentle, circular motions while positioning the head of the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Brush your teeth’s chewing surfaces and the inside surface of your front teeth using short, gentle, back-and-forth motions. Pay close attention to the areas around your brackets or other appliances.

brushing with braces

Flossing with Braces

Flossing after every meal will help keep your teeth and braces clean, which will also help keep your treatment time on track. To floss with braces, use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to thread the floss behind each wire. Wrap the ends of the floss around your pointer fingers of both hands, leaving a few inches of taught floss between them. Gently slide the floss between each set of teeth using a back and forth motion. Floss the sides of each tooth beneath the gum line to remove plaque and food particles. Repeat this process until you’ve flossed all of your teeth. If you find that your floss is not removing all of the food particles between your teeth and around your braces, ask us about a water flosser!

flossing with braces

“Dr. Sanborn did a terrific job with my daughter! She has a movie star smile! Great staff, fun and friendly place. Highly recommend!"

Laura L.

Best ortho around great with kids. They have activities to put the kids at ease and keep them occupied even video screens to watch movies while in the chair being examined."

Brian L.

“On vacation, my son's expander broke, and half of it came out of his mouth. We slightly panicked as we were more than two hours from home. We called Sanborn Orthodontist, they stayed open for us to get there and took care of him as if he was one of their regular patients. We were so impressed and thankful."

Maureen B.

“The staff is awesome. They made our little girl feel so comfortable. Outstanding atmosphere!"

Cathy L.

“Love Dr. Sanborn and his staff. They are very friendly and care about all their patients. He is involved in the community in promoting dental care. I went in for my consultation appointment and I was back in the next day getting my braces on. I would recommend Dr. Sanborn for anyone who is looking for a good orthodontist."

Holly A.

“Love Sanborn! The staff is very friendly and professional. Been going for a year and will miss them when I’m done."

Tina G.
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