Retainer Instructions

To help you achieve a beautiful smile and healthy teeth and gums, please follow this oral hygiene instruction sheet and any other hygiene prescriptions recommended by Dr. Ivanov. 

Food list/Drink list: You will be given a list of foods and drinks that will give you an idea of what you can and cannot eat and drink during treatment. This list also includes suggestions of what to eat if your teeth become sore. The idea of this list is to help you avoid foods and drinks that could damage your appliances and teeth. Damage to your appliances will make your treatment time longer and more expensive. Therefore, it is important to take good care of your appliances and teeth. We are not able to list all of the foods and drinks on the market, so remember to use common sense when it comes to deciding on foods to eat and fluids to drink.

Toothbrushingt: When brushing your teeth, make sure to brush all surfaces of each tooth. Start in the back using small, round circles, and spend 5-10 seconds on each tooth. Make sure you also brush all surfaces of your appliances, as well as your gums. You should brush your teeth after every meal.

Fluoride: Fluoride is a very important part of keeping your teeth healthy during treatment. Fluoride strengthens the enamel on your teeth to help prevent cavities. Fluoride should be used twice a week, with nothing to eat or drink for 1/2 hour after use. We reccomend using of Elmex gel.

Dental floss and floss threaders: These should be used to clean between your teeth. At bedtime it is necessary to floss before brushing. Ideally, a second flossing is beneficial after breakfast.

Water pik:This can help remove food particles and aid in proper oral hygiene.

Red disclosing tablets: Used to help show you the areas you miss while brushing. Chew 1/2 of one tablet after brushing. Move your saliva around in your mouth and run your tongue across your teeth. Expectorate (spit out) the saliva. CAUTION…these tablets will stain clothes and towels. Rinse your mouth with water. All the missed plaque or food in your mouth will be stained pink. Brushy again until all the pink is gone. 1/2 of a table should be used every four days after appliances are placed until tooth brushing is perfected.

Wax: Wax can be place over any part of the braces or wire which may be poking or irritating the cheeks or gums.

Bite wafers: Can be brought to each appointment and used 15 minutes before and after each adjustment to reduce soreness.

Analgesic cream (Orobase): Can be dabbed anywhere in the mouth to give temporary relief from soreness or irritation.

Perioguard: Occasionally, we will recommend the use of Perioguard to help reduce gum tissue inflammation. This mouth rinse has proven to be very effective in reducing gingival inflammation.

Please remember to continue to seeing your general dentist every 4-6 months, or as recommended by Dr. Ivanov, for regular cleanings and check-ups.