Brushing and Flossing with Braces

It’s always important to maintain great oral hygiene, but it’s especially important with braces, as food and plaque have more places to hide.

You should brush and floss at least two times per day for at least two minutes each time. Make sure to cover all surfaces, including the front, back, side, and gum line. Use small circular motions to gently polish teeth. To brush the gum line, tilt brush at an angle toward the gums.

A fundamental oral hygiene routine for braces should include:

  • Soft bristle brush
  • Fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss

Flossing can be tricky with braces, but here is a list of special tools that can help:

  • Proxabrush ®: Shaped like a vertical brush, a Proxabrush can move food quickly and easily from between brackets.
  • Floss Threader: Similar to the way you might thread a needle, a floss threader is a plastic “needle” that guides the floss underneath the wire.
  • Superfloss: Superfloss has an extra-durable tip to make it easier for you to insert underneath the wire.
  • Platypus and Harp Orthodontic Flosser: These are by far the fastest and easiest way to floss with braces. They are made of plastic and hold floss taut, so that you can easily move underneath wires. The platypus is completely straight, while the harp flosser is at a 90-degree angle, making it easier for molars and the back of the mouth.
  • Water Pick: A water flosser is a device that provides a constant stream of water to move food and debris from your teeth and gum line.

Brushing and flossing enables you to get the best results from your orthodontic treatment, and keeps your teeth healthy and strong.

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Primary Location

Monday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials From Our Morristown, NJ Area Patients

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "Dear Jay,

    I have been to the dentist here in Raleigh,NC twice since coming here from Morristown, NJ (and the magnificent dinner in Westfield with you, your lovely wife and Ginny Williams) and both times the dentist has said, "Wow! Whoever did your dental work was a real professional. You need nothing done except a routine cleaning."

    Jane and I miss you. And your exquisite professionalism. And, of course, we miss much more your friendship."
    Roland P. Perdue
  • "I recently switched to Dr. Schuster and am so happy I did. He is an amazing Dentist and the nicest person in the world. The work he has done for me has be nothing but amazing.

    Thanks much!!!!"
    Irene Scanlon
  • "Dear Dr. Schuster,

    Jay, really nice crown. Now THAT’s the way dentistry should be done:)

    Thank you for allowing me to participate in the care of your patient. I will of course keep you apprised of any changes if they occur. If I may be of any additional assistance regarding this or any other patient, please feel free to call.

    With best personal regards,"
    Mitchell H. Davich, DMD, FACD, FICD