While using a soft bristled tooth brush its best to brush in a circular motion with light pressure over the bracket and wire. Then angulate the tooth brush to get the upper and lower portion of the tooth, gums and the food stuck in between the bracket and wire. Once you have brushed the front of the teeth please focus on brushing the back of teeth brushing from the gums outward. Also always remember to brush you tongue to remove the plague!

Flossing is still very important while in a an appliance. Many patients forgo flossing because it is very cumbersome. We have provided a way that works to keep the gums healthy and reduce the amount of plague build up while in treatment. You can use a floss threader and thread the floss under the wire and floss as you would normally and move from one tooth to the next. Or you can use Platypus flosser and ensure not to put pressure on the lower and upper wires.

During your appliance delivery the Treehouse Orthodontic team will provide you a list of foods to avoid. Most hard or sticky foods you want to avoid to reduce the chances broken brackets or wires. Also to reduce the amount of plague build up resting against the bracket and tooth. It is good to cut up any medium to hard textured food into bite size pieces to avoid any emergency appointments.

Certain foods can get lodged in your expander, leading to irritation and discomfort. To help prevent this, be sure to regularly clean your expander and avoid sticky or hard foods. Additionally, using a Waterpik can effectively remove trapped particles. Taking these steps will help keep your mouth comfortable and your expander clean. Rinse with mouthwash to help reduce plaque and bacteria or rinse with water.Brush your teeth and the expander thoroughly at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to clean around the bands and the screw. Using an interdental brush can help clean between the expander and your teeth where a regular toothbrush might not reach. Effective cleaning using a Waterpik uses a stream of pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque from around the expander, making it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas.

Sometimes during treatment broken wires or poking wires can be nuisance. This happens as repeat drama can wear down the mechanics of the appliance over a period of time. The best way to elevate the nuisance is to try and tuck the poking wire back into the bracket. If that is not workable you can use a soft wax and place it over the poking area which will reduce the rubbing or discomfort. At Treehouse Orthodontics we will provide you with emergency wax so that you can use if this happens. Please give us a call to fix the poking wire if the wax is not doing its job or the wire is broken and needs to be fix.

As this question or concern comes up almost daily we want to make sure we address the proper way to "turn the screw" of the palatal expander. After the appliance is delivered the team at Treehouse Orthodontics will provide you with a key in which will assist in moving the screw. While your child or patient is lying down on their back, have them open their mouth wide so you can access the screw. The screw is located in the middle of the appliance and will look like a little hole. You will place the key in the hole and pull down in the direction that moves the key towards the tongue which will expand the appliance horizontally.  

For any discomfort with brackets or wires the soft wax can elevate the pain or rubbing. We will provide you with this soft wax during your appliance delivery appointment.  If the pain and nuisance continues to persist please call us and come in for an appointment to get it fixed.