Brushing and Flossing

When you have braces, it’s very important to brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, please ask us and we can help you choose the right products for your teeth and your appliance.

Brushing With Braces

Brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal with a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. As an alternative, you can use a powered toothbrush to increase your brushing effectiveness. Brush the outside and inside surfaces of your teeth using small, gentle, circular motions while positioning the head of the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Brush your teeth’s chewing surfaces and the inside surface of your front teeth using short, gentle, back-and-forth motions. Pay close attention to the areas around your brackets or other appliances.

Flossing With Braces

Flossing after every meal will help keep your teeth and braces clean, which will also help keep your treatment time on track. To floss with braces, use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to thread the floss behind each wire. Wrap the ends of the floss around your pointer fingers of both hands, leaving a few inches of taut floss between them. Gently slide the floss between each set of teeth using a back and forth motion. Floss the sides of each tooth beneath the gum line to remove plaque and food particles. Repeat this process until you’ve flossed all of your teeth. If you find that your floss is not removing all of the food particles between your teeth and around your braces, ask us about a water flosser!

What Our Patients Say

    
 
 
        Claire Keller 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Peterman and his team are the best! They take every measure to help you achieve the goals you want and don’t stop until you are 100% satisfied. They are truly a lovely group and really care for your individuals needs. Could not recommend them more!
  
 
       Jeronimo Perez Correa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is one of the BEST practices I've ever encountered.
My son got braces a month ago and we couldn't be happier. Extremely professional whilst keeping a ver personal care for their patients.The entire staff is beyond hospitable and clearly know what they are doing.One of their advantages is their location in Chatham which is incredibly convenient, specially in emergencies and follow up appointments.
Dr JB Peterman is both knowledgable and experienced. He explains the whole process in detail and is always happy to answer any questions and respond to urgencies.
  
 
       Rebecca Pickett 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family loves Dr. Peterman and his team! I am so thankful that our dentist referred them. They welcomed us with positive energy and caring hearts every single visit. My son was not initially thrilled with the idea of braces, but they made it so fun and treated all of us like we were the only people in the office. He has a perfect smile just in time for Senior Pictures! And, now I get to start my journey too!
  
 
       Nicole Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had such a great experience with Dr. Peterman and his amazing staff, Bree and Christian. Everyone was incredibly friendly, caring, and understanding from the moment I walked in. I needed to have my braces removed for my upcoming journey with the Navy, and to my surprise, Dr. Peterman himself was a former naval officer! He shared some great advice and made me feel confident and comfortable about the next steps ahead.
I truly appreciate the professionalism and kindness shown by the entire team — they go above and beyond for their patients. Highly recommend Dr. Peterman and his staff to anyone looking for quality orthodontic care!
  
 
       Vincent Boyle 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Peterman and his team are second to none!!! From the moment you walk in the door everything is first class. The office is impeccably clean, welcoming and comfortable. I was seated for my appointment promptly, and Dr Peterman helped me understand my orthodontic problems very concisely and offered me different options to achieve my goals. The office is also on the cutting edge of the latest and greatest technology like 3D printing so I didn’t have to take those awful impressions. Dr Peterman is incredibly kind, trustworthy, knowledgeable and just an overall good guy. If you or a family member need to pursue orthodontic care Dr Peterman is who you need to see!!!
  
 
       John Coughlan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience for my son. Dr Peterman told us everything he was going to do and the timeline. Great communication with my son. And teeth look awesome!
  
 
       Eric Shatashvili 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From the moment you walk in, you feel genuinely cared for. The staff is warm and professional, the clinic is spotless and modern. And that’s before you even meet Dr. Peterman — an exceptionally knowledgeable, kind, and caring doctor!
Highly recommend!
  
 
       Katie Polsky 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience at Dr. Peterman’s office! I needed my permanent retainer fixed quickly, and they were able to get me in right away. Bree at the front desk was amazing—so friendly, kind, and helpful. The entire staff was welcoming and made me feel comfortable from start to finish. Dr. Peterman himself was awesome—friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough. My wait time was short, parking was easy, and everything went well! I highly recommend Dr. Peterman and his team!
  
 
 
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 244 reviews