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Smiles that sparkle.

So you're thinking, I've got the basics down, but now I have all of this metal to contend with. How am I ever going to keep all of this clean — especially when I know that if I don't, Dr. Malerman is going to brush my teeth with Jungle Juice?

Keeping it clean is a snap if you follow the directions you were given the day the braces went on. The other key to a quicker, more beautiful smile is to keep your mouth as clean as the proverbial whistle.

Does this look familiar?

Arnold J. Malerman, D.D.S., P.C.
Suite 1, Dresher Prof. Cntr.
830 Twining Road, Dresher, PA 19025
643-0778
Directions: All 7 steps every day
A.M.
  1. Brush 2 minutes
  2. Glyoxide or Peroxyl
    6 drops swish
 P.M.
  1. Red Tablet
  2. Brush 2 minutes
  3. Rubber Tip
  4. Water Pik
  5. Fluoride

 

It should. These are the directions you were given the day the braces went on. Now here are a few additional tips to consider:

  • Brushing with braces

    • Start at the same place in your mouth as before, and work your way around in the same fashion.
    • With the metal in the way, you're going to need to brush a little differently. Once you've brushed at the gumline, brush up on the braces, holding the brush at a forty-five degree angle. Then brush down on the braces, holding the brush again at a forty-five degree angle to your teeth.
    • Don't forget, it's 8-10 brushstrokes per tooth.

  • Rubber Tip

    This, together with your Water Pik, is going to get all the plaque out where your brush can't reach.

    • Hold the rubber tip firmly between index finger and thumb.
    • Run the pointed tip around the four sides of your brackets, up and down the surfaces between the teeth (angle it so that it doesn't pull on the wire) and along the gumline.
    • Once you've finished, take a look at the rubber tip. Is it worn and bent up? DO NOT THROW OUT THE HANDLE! Grab a new red tip from Dr. Malerman at your next visit. Pop off the old tip and pop a new one onto the handle.
  • Water Pik

    • Fill the resevoir to its fill line with tepid-to-cool water.
    • Pick your tip and attach it to the handle.
    • Put the tip in your mouth and turn the Water Pik on.
    • Start at the bottom left hand corner of your mouth, run the stream across the teeth and gums to loosen plaque.
    • Gently work your way around your mouth with the stream of water.
    • Work your way all around your mouth. Don't forget to run the Water Pik behind your back teeth too.

Okay, you're thinking, this is a whole lot of steps. What would really happen if I just don't feel like following these directions? So what?

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