Keeping a Healthy Smile
Brushing and flossing are even more important when you have an expander, but it is also more work. Food can collect around and underneath your expander. We recommend brushing before doing the turns – this makes it easier to see when you’re doing the turns, plus it gives you a chance to check that the expander is clean! Make sure to maintain regular six-month checkups with your family dentist throughout your orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist does not replace the dentist!
Brushing
Be sure to brush your teeth after every meal and before you go to bed. Don’t forget to brush the backside of your teeth, plus the chewing surfaces. You will need to make sure you are brushing around your expander, including underneath and along the sides of the appliance. If food collects around the expander, it can cause the gums to swell and hurt. A small interproximal brush can be helpful if small food particles get stuck between the expander and your teeth. Try to brush for two minutes; it takes this long to make sure each tooth is sparkling clean!
Flossing
Brushing alone doesn’t keep your teeth clean and healthy because your toothbrush cannot reach between your teeth. Flossing is the only way to clean between your teeth. Many of our patients love using a water flosser to help clean around their expander, since flossing around the appliance can be difficult.
