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There are a number of steps involved in caring for teeth with braces. The first is removing plaque and is primarily done with a toothbrush. A manual toothbrush works well if it is properly used, but individuals with brackets and other fixed orthodontic devices may find it easier to use a power or sonic toothbrush. But even a sonic toothbrush can't remove all the plaque because there remain some areas that can't be reached, so other tools may be needed. Flossing is difficult without braces and increases in difficulty when working around the brackets. Although, with practice, it can be done, an easier and more effective way to clean between the teeth and under the gums is a Waterpik dental water jet oral irrigator with the new orthodontic tip. The tip is designed with a tapered brush on the end that helps remove the plaque that sticks to the brackets and between the teeth while also flushing the bacteria and food debris from around teeth and under the gums. In a recent study the Waterpik? dental water jet oral irrigator removed three times more plaque and reduced bleeding better than brushing and flossing in 11 - 17 year olds with fixed orthodontic appliances. And they liked it so much that 92% said they would continue to use the Waterpik dental water jet "every day" or "frequently" when the study was completed.
Restoring a tooth that is decayed, fractured or lost due to gum disease or an accident is necessary to maintain functionality. The dental materials used today are designed to withstand being in the mouth while also remaining compatible with gum tissue. There are a number of ways to restore a tooth including amalgams (silver, fillings), composites (tooth colored), crowns, bridges, veneers and implants. Crowns cover most or all of the tooth, and a bridge is attached to two or more crowns to fill the space where a tooth is missing. A veneer is a thin tooth colored piece that is cemented onto the front of a tooth. They are used to improve the look of a tooth such as stained or badly shaped teeth or close small spaces or gaps between teeth. A dental implant is a metal post that is a substitution for the root of a tooth. An implant may be used to replace a single missing tooth, several teeth or in some cases, all of your teeth.
Some dental work such as a bridge or implants can be very difficult to clean. The Waterpik ® dental water jet oral irrigator is designed to clean around all types of dental work and restorations. The pulsating action helps clean under the bridge and around crowns where bacteria and food can get trapped.
Dental implants need to be cleaned and cared for just like your natural teeth. Plaque and bacteria can form around an implant causing inflammation known as peri-implantitis. Daily cleaning of all the surfaces above and below the gum line is very important. A manual, power or sonic toothbrush with soft bristles can be used to clean above the gum line. The Waterpik ® dental water jet oral irrigator with the Pik Pocket ® subgingival irrigation tip is ideal for cleaning below the gum line. The soft tip of the Pik Pocket ® tip is placed slightly under the gum line and the gentle pulsations of water of antimicrobial agent flush out the bacteria and food debris.
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