Tooth Decay Can Increase the Duration of the Realignment Process

Braces realign your teeth by providing progressive tension to them during your routine adjustment appointments at Payson Orthodontics. It’s important to note that tooth decay complications and treatment methods could potentially alter the tension applied by your braces. This could have the net effect of increasing the number of adjustments and the amount of time it takes to effectively realign your teeth.

Braces wires can sometimes make flossing a challenge. To address this issue, you might want to try using a floss threader. This is a simple, loop-shaped tool that can insert a strand of waxed dental floss into these places.

Interdental brushes have small, tapered heads. They can sometimes reach places your regular toothbrush can’t. This can be very beneficial for removing stray food material and residual plaque from hard-to-reach places. They are especially handy for getting small food particles out from around bands and spacers.

An oral irrigator, like Waterpik®, creates a concentrated stream of water. When directed at the right angle, it can help loosen and wash away food particles. While this can help clean the gumline a little bit, this stream of water cannot replace the effectiveness of flossing for cleaning away plaque and residual food particles.

If you have oral hygiene questions about your braces in Payson, Arizona, you can always call 928-472-7223 to speak with Dr. Ben McDowell or a member of our staff.