Oral Hygiene
It is very important to maintain excellent oral hygiene when having orthodontic treatment.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.

Failure to keep the teeth clean may result in.
> discolouration and staining of the enamel surface. These stains may be very hard to remove later.
> dental decay causing cavities to form in the teeth.
> inflammation of the gums causing pain, swelling and bleeding, and
gum disease.
> bad breath.

These same problems occur without orthodontic treatment, but the risk is even greater when orthodontic appliances are worn because plaque and food debris can build up more readily around areas of contact with the braces.