What can go Wrong

What defects can occur if you don't properly take care of your orthodontic appliances?

When lack of orthodontic hygiene occurs plaque formation occurs. When plaque gets accumulated around your braces, it creates permanent lines and white spots on your teeth, also known as decalcification. Decalcifications are the white soft enamel spots that can become decay, which result in permanent tooth damage requiring extensive dental treatments. Gingivitis may also occur do to plaque formation, which can lead to periodontal disease. Proper brushing and flossing after each meal should become a daily routine throughout a patient's orthodontic treatment. Patients need to be committed in maintaining proper orthodontic hygiene if they want to get the best results of the treatment. Here is a picture of decalcification.

Some Helpful Tools that could assist in hygiene care include the following:

Electric toothbrush, toothpaste, floss threader, and a timer.

I recommend this video for proper oral hygiene care:

Reference list

1. All Star Orthodontics (Producer). (2010, July 2nd). Brushing and Flossing with Braces. Video Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/user/allstarsorthodontics.

2. Rachel. 2010. Decalcification. My Braces Blog. Retrieved from

http://rachellegotbraces.wordpress.com/category/braces-friendly-food/

3. Crest Care. 2011. Toothbrushes, floss threader, electric brush. Crest. Retreived from http://www.crest.com/