Everything You Need
For Successful Orthodontic Treatment
Treatment with braces or clear aligners at Klein & Walker Orthodontics is a big decision, and our team wants to ensure you have everything you need for the best experience possible!
From oral hygiene to appliance care, you’ll find helpful tips to keep your smile shining from start to finish.
Keep Your Smile in Shape
Taking care of your teeth improves your overall health. It’s especially important to brush and floss during orthodontic treatment to maintain clean and healthy teeth while we work together to perfect your smile!
Braces tend to increase the amount of food that hangs around your teeth, so a consistent oral hygiene regimen is important to prevent decay, decalcification, and gum disease. Following the guidelines below will help you prevent this and other problems.
Brushing With Braces
It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice/a day to lower your risk of decalcification and decay. Ideally, brushing your teeth four to five times a day is preferred to remove all food that gets stuck on your teeth after meals.
Keep these tips in mind when brushing your teeth with braces:
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft, rounded-bristle toothbrush that’s in good condition. Braces wear out a toothbrush quickly, so replace your brush as soon as it shows signs of wear.
- Brush around all the parts of your braces and every surface of your teeth—fronts, sides, and backs. Be sure to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. A good way to tell if you’re brushing correctly is if your braces look clean and shiny, and you can see the edges of the brackets clearly.
- Brush your gums gently and thoroughly.
- Rinse thoroughly after brushing.
- Inspect your teeth and braces to make sure they’re spotless. Look closely in a well-lighted mirror. This is a good time to check for loose or broken brackets. If you find a problem, contact Klein & Walker Orthodontics to schedule a time to make a repair.
Flossing With Braces
Flossing is important to help remove food stuck between your teeth, but it can be a little tricky in the beginning. Dr. Klein, Dr. Walker, and Dr. Weber recommend using a floss threader to get under the wires of the braces to reach in between the teeth.
These additional tips for flossing with braces will make the process smoother, and you'll be a pro in no time.
- Floss every night before you go to bed so you won’t feel rushed.
- Make sure you clean carefully along and under the gumline.
- Flossing with braces may seem like a difficult process, but it’s very important. And as with anything, a little practice will make it go a lot faster.
Mouth Rinse
Never underestimate the power of a good mouthwash! A hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse helps reduce inflammation on your cheeks and gums, and helps your tissues heal while you have braces.
Saltwater rinses are another option that can help reduce inflammation and irritation in your mouth.
How to Turn
A Palatal Expander
Whether you’re turning your own palatal expander or helping out your child, family member, or friend, don’t worry—adjusting an expander at home is easy, and we're here to help you feel comfortable with the process.
1. Wash Your Hands
Always wash your hands with warm water and soap, no matter whose expander you're turning.
2. Get to Know the Expander
Take some time to get to know the palatal expander. These devices widen your upper jaw, creating space for proper tooth alignment. You should notice bands around the first molars and an expansion appliance that reaches across the roof of the mouth.
3. Locate the Key Hole
Gently insert the expander key into the hole at the center of the expander. If you’re working on someone else’s expander, you may notice arrows pointing toward where the expander key goes.
4. Turn the Key
Now for the most important step! Hold the key securely and turn it towards the back of your mouth. That’s it! Although simple, turning your expander ensures it's doing its job to create the perfect amount of space for your or your child’s beautiful teeth to settle in comfortably.
5. Keep Up the Good Work
You're doing great! Continue turning the expander as instructed by our expert team, and you'll be amazed at the transformation of your smile. Our team is always here to support you, so reach out if you have any questions or need help.
6. Embrace the Change
As your palatal expander works its magic, you might experience minor adjustments in how you or your child speaks, eats, or swallows. No worries—this is normal and temporary. Your mouth adapts to the new space created for your teeth to shift into alignment.
Maintain Your Smile With Retainers
Retainers are crucial to maintaining your stunning new smile after braces or clear aligner treatments. They help ensure that your teeth stay in their new, corrected positions.
Let's delve into properly using, cleaning, and caring for your retainers to maximize their effectiveness and longevity.
Proper Use of Retainers
Consistent Wear
The most important rule for using retainers is to wear them consistently, as Dr. Klein, Dr. Walker, and Dr. Weber instructed. This typically means wearing them all day and night initially, then gradually reducing wear to nighttime, as advised.
Inserting & Removing
Always handle your retainer with clean hands. To insert, gently push it into place with your fingers—never bite down on it. To remove it, carefully pull it out with your fingers, starting at the back and moving to the front.
Storage
Always store your retainer in its protective case when you’re not wearing it. This prevents damage and loss. Avoid wrapping it in napkins or tissues, as this can easily lead to it being thrown away accidentally.
Cleaning Your Retainer
Daily Cleaning
Clean your retainer daily to prevent bacteria buildup. Use a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water to brush all surfaces of your retainer. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and cause scratches.
Deep Cleaning
At least once a week, give your retainer a deep clean. Soak it in a retainer cleaning solution or a mixture of lukewarm water and mild dish soap. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
Avoid Chemicals
Do not use bleach, alcohol-based mouthwash, or other harsh chemicals to clean your retainer. These can degrade the material and lead to unpleasant tastes or odors.
Caring for Your Retainer
Handling
Always handle your retainer with care. Avoid bending the wires or dropping them, as this can cause damage. If your retainer becomes damaged or misshapen, contact our Overland Park or Olathe office for a replacement or adjustment.
Avoiding Heat
Keep your retainer away from heat sources such as hot water, car dashboards, or direct sunlight. Excessive heat can cause your retainer to warp, making it ineffective.
Regular Check-Ups
Regularly visit Klein & Walker Orthodontics to check the fit and condition of your retainer. This ensures it continues to work effectively in maintaining your smile.
Pets
Keep your retainer out of reach of pets. Dogs, in particular, are known to chew on retainers if they find them, leading to costly replacements.