Metal Mouth Message Board

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!

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

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.

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!