Orthodontics

What are braces?

There are a variety of different orthodontic systems. Some are fixed, located on the outside or the inside of the teeth, and some are removable. The purpose of orthodontics is to straighten and align teeth by slowly moving them into the correct position.

Home care for your braces

Wearing braces can make dental care slightly more complicated. To prevent gum disease and cavities, you need to clean both your teeth and braces properly. Cleaning with a regular toothbrush is not enough – you often need additional cleaning products . Your dentist/orthodontic assistant can guide you to suitable products for orthodontic care and show you how to use them. If you have removable braces, make sure to brush them too, using a toothbrush and water.

How to clean your braces

Start by rinsing your mouth with water, to loosen food debris that has been trapped around the wire.
Then clean the teeth and braces with a toothbrush using small circular motions. Don’t forget to angle the brush towards the gum line.
Finish by brushing the inside and chewing surfaces.

To get a good result, you will need to clean where the toothbrush cannot reach. A small toothbrush with a round head is useful for cleaning around the brackets and gum line. An interdental brush will help clean under the wire and between the teeth.

For extra cavity protection use TePe Gingival Gel with chlorhexidine and fluoride. If you have removable braces, make sure to brush them daily, using a toothbrush and water.

Four tips to keep your mouth healthy during orthodontic treatment

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste
• Use interdental devices
• Clean your teeth and braces after each meal
• Use a fluoride rinse to minimize the risk of tooth decay

Products suitable for orthodontic care

TePe Supreme™

TePe Supreme is a toothbrush with filaments in two levels for improved access around brackets and under wires.

TePe Implant & Orthodontic Brush™

The Orthodontic Brush has a slim brush head, designed for efficient cleaning close to brackets and under orthodontic wires.

TePe Compact Tuft™

Compact Tuft is an angled brush with a rounded tuft, which is especially suitable for cleaning around brackets and along the gum line.

TePe Interspace™

Interspace is an angled brush with a tapered brush tip, ideal for cleaning critical areas close to brackets and under wires. Two different angles can be chosen for optimal access.

Interdental Brushes

TePe’s interdental brushes are available in several sizes, with a straight or angled brush head and in two textures, soft and extra soft. The extra soft brushes have longer filaments, which can be suitable for orthodontic patients.

TePe EasyPick™

TePe EasyPick™ can be used for interdental cleaning under the wire or the retainer. It is available in two sizes for bigger or smaller gaps.

TePe Gingival Gel with Chlorhexidine and Fluoride

For extra cavity protection, use our TePe Gingival Gel with Chlorhexidine and Fluoride. The gel is easy to apply with a single tuft brush or an interdental brush. For optimal fluoride effect, use after toothbrushing. Do not rinse after use.

Help your child deal with braces

Getting used to braces can be a struggle. Initial discomfort and pain is common, and the new look can take a while to accept. Here is some advice to help your child adjust:

• Discuss the benefits of treatment with your child
• Help with the cleaning of the braces
• Stock up with orthodontic wax
• Serve soft food to start
• Prepare a travel case with special brushes for your child to bring to school

Information material

Read more in our patient guide Caring for your braces.