After getting your braces, it is important to know how to take care of your teeth in order to ensure that your braces stay intact and do their job so that your teeth are in top-notch condition after you complete your orthodontic treatment. Today, our team at Stuart Davidson Orthodontics thought we would provide you with five tips you need to know to ensure you undergo successful treatment at our Dartmouth, NS office.

Flossing
Flossing twice a day or after every meal can help you clean areas between teeth and other places a toothbrush can miss. We also recommend using a floss threader, which can be used to help you navigate safely around your braces and brackets. It is vital to floss twice a day, preferably after lunch and before bedtime to keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay.

Brushing
Teeth and appliances should be brushed after every meal and before bedtime using fluoride toothpaste and gentle, soft strokes. We recommend using an interdental toothbrush, which can help you clean the hard-to-reach areas under wires better than an ordinary toothbrush.

Using Elastics
This phase of orthodontic treatment requires cooperation and consistency on your part. If your orthodontist has prescribed elastics, make sure they are worn at all times, except when eating meals or brushing teeth. It’s important that you wear the correct size elastics and have extras in case they are misplaced. By failing to wear your elastics for even one day, you run the risk your teeth moving back toward their original position.

Addressing Damage to Your Braces
In case your appliances are damaged, we ask that you call our team at Stuart Davidson Orthodontics immediately to set up an appointment.

Eat Friendly Foods
When undergoing treatment, there are certain foods you must avoid. Foods that are hard, sticky, chewy or sour can add months to your treatment time. These includes gum, caramels, taco shells, nuts, ice, chips or hard candies.

We hope that helps! If you have any questions, please give us a call at our Dartmouth, NS office or ask us during your next adjustment appointment!

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Dan Stuart and Dr. Sarah Davidson to schedule an initial consultation. Here are 12 warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth

2. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way

3. Mouth breathing

4. Finger sucking or other oral habits

5. Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth

6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude, or recede

7. Speech difficulty

8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth

9. Protruding teeth

10. Difficulty of chewing or biting

11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry

12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call at our Dartmouth, NS office as soon as possible! Dr. Dan Stuart and Dr. Sarah Davidson and our staff know orthodontic emergencies are never convenient or timely. If you are a patient of record, we are committed to your oral health and are available to you.

Most of our patients at Stuart Davidson Orthodontics will need to wear rubber bands at some point during their orthodontic treatment. The main reason our patients are instructed to wear rubber bands is to correct their bite. If your teeth do not fit together properly, Dr. Dan Stuart and Dr. Sarah Davidson will recommend that rubber bands be used. Dr. Dan Stuart and Dr. Sarah Davidson may also recommend using rubber bands to close or open spaces.

Rubber bands are a critical part of your treatment, and wearing them as Dr. Dan Stuart and Dr. Sarah Davidson and our team recommend will help move your teeth into the desired position. Dr. Dan Stuart and Dr. Sarah Davidson may ask you to wear your rubber bands full time, meaning that they should only be taken out when you brush and floss your teeth three times a day. Other times, you may be asked to only wear them part-time, like only during the day or only during sleep.

If you still have any questions about orthodontic rubber bands, we invite you to give us a call or ask us during your next adjustment appointment. Remember, wearing rubber bands as prescribed by Dr. Dan Stuart and Dr. Sarah Davidson is an important step during your treatment, and can reduce the time you have your braces. If you lose your rubber bands or run out, stop by our Dartmouth, NS office and pick up more!

At Stuart Davidson Orthodontics, we know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step, as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re a teen or an adult. Smiling not only puts people in a good mood, but doing it often can even help you live longer!

If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment with Dr. Dan Stuart and Dr. Sarah Davidson. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s advanced techniques can straighten your smile! And if you are apprehensive about traditional braces, clear aligners can be a great treatment option.

Don’t hide your smile any longer. Give us a call today to schedule your or your child’s orthodontic consultation at our convenient Dartmouth, NS office. See you soon!