Oral Hygiene

Having a clean mouth is important. It gives you fresh breath and a nicer-looking smile. Brushing and flossing removes a thin sticky film of bacteria that grows on your teeth. This sticky film, called plaque, is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

Brushing

You will notice that it is much harder to keep your teeth clean with braces. Food becomes caught in the brackets and between your teeth. Brushing after meals and flossing will help prevent plaque from forming and should become part of your daily schedule. Use a soft toothbrush and brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth in small circles above and below the brackets. Your toothbrush will wear out faster because of your appliances, so be sure to replace it whenever the bristles start to fray.

If plaque remains on the teeth for any length of time, it can leave a permanent white scar on the surface. An electric toothbrush or a waterpik can be a useful addition, however, please continue to see your dentist at least every 6 months for regular dental cleanings.

Flossing

Flossing with braces takes a few minutes to master, but the effort is well worth it. The first step to flossing is getting the floss under the wire that connects the braces together. A floss threader will help you get the dental floss underneath your archwires. Dental floss with a stiff end is also available. It is pre-cut and is very easy to insert underneath archwires.

Once the floss is under the archwire it can be wrapped around the tooth on one side. The floss is then pushed up toward the gum line and then pulled down toward the wire. This should be repeated four to five times to ensure all plaque is removed. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the wire as you pull down. Then wrap the floss around the neighboring tooth. Once both teeth are done, the floss is pulled out and the process repeated for the next two teeth.

Tips for Great Oral Hygiene:

Maintain your regularly scheduled check-ups with your dentist.
Carry a travel toothbrush. This lets you brush after eating, no matter where you are.
Rinse after eating. This keeps food from sticking to your teeth when you can't brush.
Try an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can make teeth cleaning easier.

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What Our Patients Are Saying

It's rare to have that doctor experience where they truly understand your individual situation and can finally explain why you have these problems, even when other doctors didn't believe you. I had that experience with Dr. Keesler. He explained so many of my unanswered questions. I can tell by his recommendations that he cares about what's in my best interest. It's so refreshing to have a doctor so intelligent who really cares about helping his patients. The staff is very friendly and kind.

T.V.

We love Keesler Orthodontics!! The office is fun and colorful; which completely puts my son at ease. But the best part is the staff… they're kind, knowledgeable and have treated us with respect. Would recommend them to anyone!!

A.M.

After seeing multiple dentists in many states, my orthodontics hold up to exceptional standards 15 years later. My dentists repeatedly comment on the straightness of my teeth and placement of my permanent retainer 18 years after my braces were removed.

B.D.

Amazing staff! Make even adults feel great! Even through the pandemic, their service was amazing. The cleanliness of the building was too. I will always recommend Keesler Orthodontics! Thank you all for your amazing hospitality and amazing work you have done!

B.W.

All 3 of my children went to Keesler Orthodontics! Dr. Jeff, Dr. Marissa, and the entire staff are great!! Always happy and ready to help. We have one more child to get braces and she will definitely be going to Keesler to complete our perfect smiles!!

A.Q.

Best Orthodontist in the area! Very professional, knowledgeable and do great work! I wouldn't take my kids anywhere else.

S.P.

Both of our kids have had orthodontic services at Kessler Orthodontics and the experience could not of been better. The staff has always been professional and kind and the doctors as well. Thank you so much for a great experience! I can't recommend them highly enough!

T.W.

I'm so impressed with Keesler Orthodontist! The staff is always friendly and they go out of their way to make sure everyone has a positive experience. They called the day after my daughter's expanders were put on to check how everything was going and even sent some coupons in the mail for some free shakes! My daughter isn't afraid to go and looks forward to her next appointment! I would highly recommend them!

B.B.

I highly recommend Keesler Orthodontics. Everyone is so nice and accommodating- they are so friendly, all of the time. Had a great experience and love my new smile.

G.G.

Keesler Orthodontics has been nothing short of amazing. They are very knowledgeable and help ease worry. They make teeth health fun and not scary at all. They help answer questions and take time to make sure you feel comfortable with everything. We always recommend Keesler to friends and family members looking for wonderful orthodontic care!

E.W.

Friendly and informative. Always great customer service and keeps us informed of every step of the orthodontic journey. Could not recommend them more.

N.L.

Compared to other places I've been, Keesler Orthodontics is more informative and reliable. Everything was explained to us very well. We were left with no doubts after the examination and started the treatment immediately. The doctors and the staff are all very friendly and helpful.

S.K.