Preparing for Braces

Message

#1 Post by **All Smiles** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 12:23 am

I am getting braced this Tuesday (ahhh 2 days!!) and I have been seriously thinking about things to purchase in preparation for it all. In addition to buying extra soft foods, I am starting to think of cleaning tools for my braces. I will probably buy a waterpik tomorrow. With regards to toothpaste, is there a certain kind I should be using for 3M Clarity (self-ligating) braces? Does anyone know if these brackets stain? I know ligatures do, and since I don't have those, do I need to worry about staining?? Is there better toothpaste brands to stick with to keep teeth white and stain-free? Is it true your the surface of your teeth can stain from the bonding glue?

Also, can anyone think of other items I should buy to help with cleaning? I am not sure what cleaning package I will receive on brace day from my ortho's office, but I just want to make sure I am fully prepared. Thanks!

Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:40 am

I am waiting to buy my supplies for cleaning
because i have heard that most give you a special kit.
So i am going to test what they give me and see from there.
I do want to get those christmas tree trype bristle cleaner thingys but there are many different types so I am going to wait it out to see what i get first.

I am using sensodyne toothpaste . I also heard don't get any whitening agents in the tooth paste. Yes the glue can stain but not much you can do about it.

Karen

#3 Post by **TumbleDryLow** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:58 am

Brackets do not stain, just the ligatures, and since you have self-ligating brackets you will not need to worry about this. As for toothpaste, there have been several discussions on the board regarding whitening vs non-whiting toothpastes and I think the consensus is that whitening toothpaste does not really "whiten" per se. It simply removes superfluous surface stains. Many have used a whiting toothpaste throughout their treatment with no ill effects. Just stick with a toothpaste you know and love. As for other supplies, your ortho will probably give you a goodie bag. You can wait and see what you get, but basically I found that all I really needed was a stiff floss, wax (just in the beginning), Act Fluoride rinse, X-mas tree brushes, and a plain o'l manual toothbrush. Good luck and congratulations on beginning your treatment.

#4 Post by **blindboarder2008** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:52 pm

Christmas tree brushes are definetly a great cleaning item for braces. So much easier then floss (i've tried to floss with braces but i was very unsucesseful). I also use a sulca brush (keep your gums nice and healthy and help with cleaning as well). I also use an electronic toothbrush for cleaning although i do carry around a small travel sized tooth brush whenever i'm not home.

Best of luck with your brace day tomorrow!!!!!! Ya you'll most likely get some sort of a goodie bag from your orthodontist!!!!!

keep us updated!