Brushing
One of the common fears about orthodontics is that the braces may cause decay. Your full bands, or the brackets bonded to your teeth cover and protect that portion of your teeth as long as they are firmly attached.
If you fail to get the teeth clean and fail to exercise your gums, then the gums swell and make it even more difficult to clean.
So - When and How should you clean your teeth during orthodontic treatment?
WHEN - Within five minutes after you eat. Easy to say, but sometimes hard to do? When you're away from home, we suggest you carry a travel type of folding toothbrush with you.
HOW - First, brush back and forth across…between the wires and gums on the upper and lower to loosen the food particles. Second, brush correctly as if you had no bands on.
- Start on the outside of the uppers with bristles at a 45 degree angle toward the gum or shelf. Scrub with a circular motion, two or three teeth at a time using 10 strokes, and move on.
- The same on the inner surfaces of the uppers.
- Scrub the chewing surfaces last.
- Start on the outside of the lower teeth and repeat this process. Remember, direct the brush at an angle toward the gum or shelf area.
Third, rinse your mouth and toothbrush. LOOK IN A MIRROR to see if you have missed any places. Check the little half-moon spaces of teeth between the bands and gums and the space between the molar tubes and gums. If you see any areas you have missed, clean them now.
When you have finished, the bands and wires should be free of all food particles and soft white coating (called plaque). The braces should look clean and shiny.
Flossing
When flossing, insert floss behind arch wire. Gently clean sides of teeth and under gums with an up-and-down motion. Floss between all teeth once a day.
The water pick can be very helpful, but it is to be used AFTER thorough brushing. It is not a substitute for brushing, but does remove food particles that the brush cannot reach.
OUCH!!! HELP!!!
Runaway Bracket/Band - If the bracket or band is loose, but still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If uncomfortable, cover with wax. If it comes out completely, bring it with you to the next appointment. Call for an appointment. DO NOT CONNECT HEADGEAR OR ELASTICS TO A LOOSE BAND.
Missing In Action - If the elastic tie is missing, please call to ask if an appointment is necessary. Notify the assistant at your next appointment.
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Adventurous Wire - If the wire is out of the tube, try to place the wire back into the tube with tweezers. Place wax if uncomfortable. Call for an appointment. | 
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Pestering Poker - If the tie wire is poking you, bend the wire back with a spoon or pencil eraser. If unsuccessful, cover with wax and call for an appointment. |  |
Too Tender To Talk - If you experience soreness, rinse the mouth with warm salt water. If necessary, take the pain reliever that you would use for a headache or similar discomfort.
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Herbst Help
If the rod continually comes out of the tube it is too short. This is not an emergency, but should be mentioned to Dr. Little at your next appointment.
If the rod is poking out the back it is too long and you should call for an appointment at which time Dr. Little can shorten it.
If a stainless steel crown is loose or coming off of the tooth, you should call for an appointment.
Initially the herbst discomfort is common. Use the supplies given to you at the office. Orajel works well at alleviating discomfort to the cheeks.
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