Pierce Orthodontics – Patient Information

Our patients are what keep us going at Pierce Orthodontics. It brings all of us such joy to witness and be a part of transforming people’s smile and being a part of their life. You truly become part of our Pierce Orthodontic family. Mount Pleasant has been our home since 1978 and we take our place in the community very seriously. If there is ever any way that we can serve you and your family better, please let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions: Orthodontics

Why is Oral Hygiene Important with Braces?

It is EXTREMELY important to keep your brackets and wires free of food and plaque during treatment. Failure to do so can result in gingivitis, permanent white spot lesions or even worse- decay! Here are some tips to help you keep your teeth healthy during orthodontic treatment. Want more? Contact us about attending our ORAL HYGIENE ACADEMY after hours.

Image of Child Brushing their Teeth

Why are Regular Dentist Visits Important with Braces?

It is extremely important that you continue to see your general dentist during your orthodontic treatment. Regular cleanings are important for maintaining your oral hygiene and preventing any unwanted issues. If at all possible, getting dental cleanings every 3-4 months is a great idea!!

What is the Proper Brushing Technique While I Have Braces?

Brushing with braces can be frustrating at first. It will take more time to properly remove plaque and food. We recommend brushing for 5 minutes in the morning and night using small circular motions particularly around the gum tissue. A quick brush after eating is a great addition to your morning and nighttime regimen to help keep food out of the wire’s trap.

What is an Interdental or 'Christmas Tree' Brush?

These small, portable brushes sometimes called Proxabrushes are perfectly sized to fit between the teeth and under the wire. Use them often to remove plaque stuck between the teeth.

What is Superfloss?

This powerful floss has a thick, stiff end that can be threaded under the wire. The middle area of the floss is spongy to remove thick areas of plaque from between the teeth.

What are Floss Threaders?

Think of these small threaders like floss directors. Floss is threaded through the “eye” of the device and then pulled beneath the wire. This allows you to floss with any floss you have at home.

Why are Electric Toothbrushes Helpful?

Electric toothbrushes are helpful with braces care because of the gentle sweeping and vibrating bristle motions. They help to loosen plaque and food from the wires and brackets. Most include a timer to help patient’s monitor the length of brushing time.

What are Platypus Flossers©?

These genius little flossers are disposable floss directors that allow you to floss without threading under your wires. It makes flossing simple and easy! A great option for hygiene in a hurry!

Why Use High Flouride Toothpaste and Mouthwash?

Flouride increases the strength and resistance of enamel to acid and decalcification. By using high fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash during treatment, your teeth will be less susceptible to white spot lesions and decay.

How Do I Clean My Retainer or Aligners?

Retainers and aligners can be cleaned by gently brushing with toothpaste and soft toothbrush or by placing in a glass of water with denture cleaner for 15 minutes. Please do not boil retainers and aligners as they may distort.

What Foods Should I Avoid?

Orthodontics walks a fine line between wanting the brackets to stay bonded to the teeth and wanting them to come off easily at the end of treatment. Therefore, care needs to be taken during treatment to avoid hard or sticky foods that may break the brackets off of the teeth. Multiple broken brackets may extend or disrupt treatment as well as cause frequent emergency visits to fix the issues.

Some examples:

Taffy
Caramel
Hard nuts
Corn on the cob
Whole apples
Pens and pencils
Jolly Ranchers and other hard candies
Starbursts
Sticky gummy bears
Carrots
Doritos and other hard taco/corn chips
Pizza crust and other hard breads
High sugar foods and drinks

Orthodontist-Approved Recipes

Finding healthy, yummy, braces friendly foods can be frustrating at first. Here some delicious recipes to help get you started!

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Ingredients
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 quart milk
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
• 1⁄3 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup or so cooked cauliflower

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375˚. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta for 12 minutes,
uncovered, then drain in a colander.
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for
about a minute, then stir in the milk and bring to a boil. Keep stirring and when the white sauce is well
mixed, reduce the heat to simmer. Add the nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese. Add the pasta and toss well

Yogurt Fruit Pops

Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups fresh fruit
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 1/2 tbsp honey(more or less depending on the ripeness of the fruits)
• Popsicle molds and sticks

Directions
Combine half the fruit, the yogurt, and honey in a blender and process until smooth. Cut the remaining
fruit into the jar. Divide the mixture among the prepared popsicle molds, making sure to distribute the
cut fruit well. Insert wooden popsicle sticks and freeze for 4 hours. Makes 6 servings.

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