scrape your way to a whiter smile!!

[SW]

I am a big fan of this product too! I will say this though... I agree with Dr. Rick that you must be cautious using them, especially the metal one, don't get overzealous and scrape too hard.

Dentek makes two versions of the Plaque and Tartar Remover. The metal one which is the Dental Pik Ultra, and the plastic one which is just called the Dental Pik (for sensitive teeth). I have been using the plastic one for years (unfortunately Wal-mart does not sell it, and I don't know who currently does). I feel that the plastic one is better to use on a more regular basis to remove plaque build-up. The metal one is great for hardened tartar deposits that the plastic one can't handle. But honestly, if you are prone to tartar build-up it would be best to have a dental hygenist handle it.

Since I agree that using the scraper around the bracket is a bit too harsh, I have found using a product by Butler Gum called "Go-Betweens" to be enormously helpful in removing "stuff" that accumulates around the brackets that doesn't get removed from regular brushing and flossing. Wal-mart sells them too, they are tiny flexible brushes that come with a cap that can be removed and pushed on the handle to extend it.

[tashablueyes]

I think that it is great that you are trying to really get things clean... but you should not have enough build up to necessitate a scaler on a regular basis. You may want to try timing your brushing cycles to be sure that you are brushing for a full 2 minutes and make sure to brush at a 45 degree angle. But I know that super clean feeling can be addictive, so just talk to your Dentist or hygienist about getting you on a tighter recall, usually they are more than happy to get you in more often when you have braces, that way they can do an even better job of scaling without damaging your roots (which can lead to serious tooth sensitivity OUCH, and gum inflammation and recession, double OUCH) I assist in gum surgeries all day long and trust me, you don't want any part of that!

[mommak8]

Thanks for the feedback. Now that the novelty has worn off, I really don't use it very often. I also just went for a cleaning and am on a 3 month schedule, so hopefully they will stay clean!

[bbsadmin]

You might want to ask your ortho or your regular dentist to help demonstrate how to use the scaler properly so you don't damage your gums.

I wanted to get something like this and my regular dentist talked me out of it -- even though I promised to be a good girl and not get too aggressive with it! But everyone is different. I think that as long as you knew how to use it properly, you were gentle and careful and not too zealous, it would be OK.

Any other dental assistants/other dental professionals out there have opinions on this subject? I know it's a slippery subject to address (no pun intended)!

[fyrelight]

I've had one of these for years.... I find it a great way to keep extra clean between regular professional cleanings.... also have a pick that has been great to snap a ligature back on when it's come off.

Here's a picture:



My pack came with this plus the pick. I got mine at a Walgreens or somethign, but this picture came from a website...:

http://www.dentaldepot.com NOTE: they also sell a BRACES emergency kit with wire cutters that sure would have been handy in the beginning.....