Maintaining the oral hygiene when wearing orthodontic appliances
When not in mouth, mobile appliance is to be stored in a box that should be carried with you for a visit to your orthodontist. The box and the appliance itself are to be washed regularly. To wash the appliance use water and toothpaste, pay attention to plaque that might form on it (especially around screws) and remember to put a clean appliance in your mouth after you’ve brushed your teeth! Also, once removed, please wash it again and return it in the box.
Fixed appliance is slightly more difficult to maintain as locks are attached to the teeth, which makes maintaining oral hygiene slightly more complicated. Your teeth need to be brushed after every meal, otherwise food residues will stay on locks and tubes. Besides using a regular toothbrush, using special orthodontic brushes, interdental brushes and single brushes as well as a floss and water irrigator are highly recommended. There are many products available to orthodontic patients.
Retention foils and 3D foils also need to be maintained properly. It is important to remember that neither should be washed or drenched in hot water, as they might deform. They should be washed in cold water, using toothpaste and toothbrush.
