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At Benson Orthodontics, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Bartley Benson.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Benson if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Benson Orthodontics or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Benson. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!

Hope this helps,

-Dr. Benson and team

Dr. Bartley Benson is already on his second set of Invisalign aligners! Just like his teeth, Dr. Benson brushes his Invisalign aligners regularly with toothpaste and a toothbrush to keep them clean and sparkling. Check out this short video for Dr. Benson's tips on brushing the aligners and starting treatment.

At Benson Orthodontics, we strive to provide exceptional orthodontic treatment in a fun, friendly environment. Dr. Benson's greatest goal is to help you achieve a smile that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and happy. Hear it for yourself in this short testimonial from Angela!