Michael Kim, D.D.S.
2989 Dixwell Ave. Suite 1
Hamden, CT 06518
(203)281-1022/fax (203)407-1002
e-mail: [email protected]
Orthodontics
CONGRATULATIONS ON GETTING YOUR BRACES!!!
In addition to this packet, you may find additional information on our website, www.brace-asaurus.com. Click
on the Braces Care section.
Now that you have braces, it makes sense to take care of them so that by the end of your
treatment you will have a healthier mouth and a terrific smile. To get the best results from your
treatment, you have to realize that this is a team effort with you, Dr. Kim and our entire team working
together. One of the most important things that you can do is to take special care of your teeth
between visits. You should floss each day and brush after every meal and before you go to
bed. This is especially important when you have braces. By taking care of your teeth and braces
your treatment will be more successful.
Why do you need to brush after every meal and floss each day? When you eat, little bits of
food stick on your teeth, between your teeth and in your gums. Also on your teeth is a sticky,
colorless film called plaque that is a home for bacteria. When the bacteria come in contact with food,
they produce an acid that attacks the surface of your tooth. This can cause tooth decay and cavities.
This process happens to everyone, but is more likely to happen to people who wear braces. Plaque
can cause other problems, too. If allowed to build up, it can harden into a grungy deposit called tartar
and can cause damage to the surface of your teeth. Then when your braces are removed, you might
have permanent marks or lines. You can prevent these bad things from happening by taking really
good care of your teeth everyday. This includes brushing, flossing and other things that we will
describe.
BRUSHING
You should brush after every meal and before you go to bed. Always use a soft
toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. You can refer to our YouTube video for a tutorial on
brushing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahQyAdY10AE. The following is the 6-step method to
brushing starting with the upper teeth:
1. Place your toothbrush above the braces and angle your toothbrush up toward the gumline.
Use a circular motion and clean one tooth at a time.
2. Keep your toothbrush above the braces, but tilt your toothbrush down. Clean the top of the
braces one tooth at a time.
3. Place your toothbrush under the braces and angle your toothbrush up. Clean under the braces
with a circular motion. Clean one tooth at a time.
4. Place your toothbrush against the inside of your teeth and angle your toothbrush toward the
gumline. Start at the back and work forward using a circular motion.
5. Hold your toothbrush vertically against the inside of your front teeth. Brush using an up and
down motion.
6. Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth using a back and forth motion.
Now for the lower teeth:
Place your toothbrush below the braces and angle your toothbrush down toward the gumline.
Use a circular motion and clean one tooth at a time.
2. Keep your toothbrush below the braces, but tilt your toothbrush up. Clean the bottom of the
braces one tooth at a time.
1.
Michael Kim, D.D.S.
2989 Dixwell Ave. Suite 1
Hamden, CT 06518
(203)281-1022/fax (203)407-1002
e-mail: [email protected]
Orthodontics
3. Place your toothbrush above the braces and angle your toothbrush down. Clean above the
braces with a circular motion. Clean one tooth at a time.
4. Place your toothbrush against the inside of your teeth and angle your toothbrush toward the
gumline. Start at the back and work forward using a circular motion.
5. Hold your toothbrush vertically against the inside of your front teeth. Brush using an up and
down motion.
6. Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth using a back and forth motion.
FLOSSING
You should floss each day. The best time is before brushing at bedtime. A Waterpik power
flosser has been provided to make flossing with braces easier. Place the tip of the flosser through
gums in between the teeth, hold the button down and move the tip in a C-shape around each
tooth. If preferred you may use regular floss but you will need a floss threader to get under the
wires. You can refer to our You Tube video for a tutorial on how to floss with a floss threader.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92xvai9phQ0. Please ask us for instructions if you are unsure
how to floss with braces.
COOL MINT LISTERINE
Recent scientific research has shown that Cool Mint Listerine (Listerine Antiseptic) is
effective at killing bacteria not reachable by regular tooth brushing. Be sure to rinse for 30
seconds morning and night. Please do not use if you are 11 or younger. Cool Mint Listerine
contains essential oils not contained in other mouth rinses, so please do not substitute.
WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT EAT
“Think soft and small”
When you have braces you must be extra careful about what you eat.
Hard foods can break your braces. Examples are raw fruits and vegetables, crusted bread,
corn-on-the-cob and chewing ice. However, most of these foods can be safely eaten if you first cut
them up into small pieces.
Sticky foods can pull brackets and bands right off your teeth. It is best to skip these foods
altogether. Examples are gum (including sugar-free and stick-free), caramel, taffy, Now and
Laters and Starburst.
Foods high in sugar can lead to cavities. You should avoid ice cream, sundaes, candy and
sugar coated cereal. If you would like a snack, consider soft fruit (cut into small pieces) or yogurt.
REGULAR CHECK-UPS
It is important that you see your general dentist every six months for exams and cleanings
while you have braces. Certain dentists recommend that you come in even more often. Please
remember we are not a substitute for your general dentist.
Michael Kim, D.D.S.
2989 Dixwell Ave. Suite 1
Hamden, CT 06518
(203)281-1022/fax (203)407-1002
e-mail: [email protected]
Orthodontics
ENAMELON GEL
ENAMELON HELPS PREVENT WHITE SPOTS
Straightening your teeth with braces builds a beautiful smile, but if oral hygiene is poor,
braces can also trap food and plaque that lead to white spots forming on your teeth. Enamelon is
the first product to combine the protective properties of fluoride with the remineralizing potential of
amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) technology. The unique saliva-stimulating formula provides
an enhanced ability to form loosely bound calcium fluoride reservoirs. These reservoirs provide a
vital source of remineralizing ions in the presence of an acid challenge (plaque). The release of
these ions helps to promote remineralization and inhibit demineralization (white spots).
Use the Enamelon once a day after brushing your teeth with toothpaste. Apply the gel to
your teeth and brush thoroughly. Allow the gel to remain on your teeth for 1 minute and then spit
out. Do not swallow the gel. Do not rinse, eat or drink for 30 minutes after brushing. Instruct
children under 12 years of age in the use of this product (to minimize swallowing).
SILICONE WAX
It is not unusual to get an occasional sore spot from the braces. This is especially true
when you first get the braces on. If you get a sore spot, identify the brace that is causing it. Dry
the brace off with a cotton swab or tissue and apply a very small piece of silicone wax.
Remember, only use the silicone wax for a real sore spot. Otherwise, it may take a longer time to
get used to the braces.
DISCOMFORT
It is not unusual to experience some discomfort especially after the braces are first put on
and immediately after regular appointments. The best solution is to treat the situation like a
headache. Take Tylenol or ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin etc.) as per the manufacturer's directions.
Some patients find it helpful to start taking their medicine just prior to their orthodontic
appointment.
Mouth sores can be prevented or minimized by rinsing with warm salt water 2 to 3 times
per day. A good recipe is to mix 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of baking SODA (not powder)
in 1 cup of warm water.
MOUTH GUARDS
Braces require a special mouth guard for sports. If you need a mouth guard for any sports,
just let us know and we will provide one for you. Please do not use a “heat-molded” mouth guard
that you find in most sporting goods stores. These will damage your braces and slow your
treatment.
Michael Kim, D.D.S.
2989 Dixwell Ave. Suite 1
Hamden, CT 06518
(203)281-1022/fax (203)407-1002
e-mail: [email protected]
Orthodontics
NASA To Chairside
Space Age Technologies in Today’s Orthodontic Office
Technological advances benefit us all in our day-to-day lives. Products as diverse as microwave
ovens, CD players and titanium golf clubs are now commonplace in homes throughout the world.
These innovations have improved our lifestyle, and help us complete tasks with greater efficiency.
The orthodontic industry has also benefited from new high tech materials that also offer improved
comfort, convenience and performance. One such material is a space-aged archwire called Copper
NiTi.
Some people today question the benefits to the public of space exploration. Orthodontics is one
area that has directly benefited from this work, especially in the development of the wires used to
treat today’s patients. Nickel titanium alloys originally used by NASA to deploy satellites in space
have been used in the initial phase of orthodontic treatment for some time. Recently copper was
added to nickel titanium creating a new aged wire, which is light years ahead of the wires used in the
past.
Copper NiTi… Fueling Perfect Smiles
Copper NiTi is what’s known as a shape memory wire. When you feel this wire out of the mouth it is
very soft and easily bent however, when warmed the wire will return to its original shape and
gradually become stiffer. It’s like ice changing to water when it is warmed. This helps with your
orthodontic treatment as you can alter the force of the wire in your mouth. You may experience
some mild discomfort during the first days of treatment; this is a normal reaction that all patients
experience. To help adjust to your new braces you can use cold drinks to relax the wire. Once your
teeth begin their journey to a perfect smile the level of discomfort decreases and you won’t need to
slow the wire down. You can actually speed it up a little by using warm drinks and will notice the wire
tightening up and getting stronger in your mouth.
Copper NiTi is also special because it doesn’t need to be adjusted or changed as often, allowing Dr.
Kim to increase the time between your appointments. These advanced wires can be left in your
mouth for 2-3 months to allow them to gradually move your teeth to their new position. Like new
appliances that are more efficient in the home, this wire is more efficient in your mouth. This means
less time away from school and the office. Convenience, comfort and performance… Copper NiTi
powers your voyage to a perfect smile.