Oral Hygiene is Even More Important When You Wear Braces
When you wear braces, brushing and flossing can be quite a challenge. But did you know it is even more important to maintain proper dental hygiene while undergoing your orthodontic treatment? Plaque can build up around the bands, arch wires, and brackets, so it is important that you learn how to properly clean your teeth while wearing your braces. Dr. L. Douglas Knight and his team have proudly served the Louisville, KY and Radcliff, KY areas for many years, and will help you develop proper techniques for oral hygiene, and provide you with the necessary tools to keep your smile sparkling!
Oral Hygiene Tips and Tricks
There are a few extra things to consider when you are living life with braces. Understanding and exercising proper hygiene can help keep your mouth healthy while you are achieving your new smile. Here are a few things that may help:
- Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste helps keep your tooth enamel strong, and protects against decay. Whitening toothpaste is not recommended during orthodontic treatment, as discoloration can occur once your brackets come off.
- Use a soft toothbrush: You should never use a hard toothbrush. Soft brushes are just as effective, and also protect your gums and prevent damage to your braces.
- Brush for at least two minutes: When wearing braces, brush for at least two minutes to ensure all tooth surfaces, brackets, bands and wires are being cleaned properly. You may need more than two minutes. Simply brush everything thoroughly and do not stop until you are confident everything is clean.
- Begin in a different area of your mouth each time you brush: This may seem counterintuitive. However, by starting in different areas of the mouth, you reduce the risk of gum recession, which can occur over time if you brush too hard.
- Utilize floss threaders or an equivalent: Braces can make flossing more difficult. Be sure you use something between the teeth to keep those areas clean. It is imperative that you floss at least once per day to decrease bacteria and help prevent decay and gum disease. There are several products on the market today that can help make cleaning between the teeth easier. Dr. Knight can work with you to determine which techniques will work best for you.
OrthoEssentials
OrthoEssentials is a program that is available through the partnership of Crest® and Oral-B®. This resource can be incredibly useful for orthodontic patients, as it provides products and technique guidelines that will help you properly clean your teeth throughout the duration of your treatment. When proper protocol is not followed, patients can experience an increase in common dental problems such as demineralization, tartar, and gingivitis. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help make sure you complete your orthodontic treatment in a timely manner and achieve your beautiful new smile!
Gum inflammation, or gingivitis, is common in patients who wear braces. OrthoEssentials provides a convenient kit that orthodontic patients of any age can use to combat inflammation. It includes the PRO-HEALTH® SYSTEM, an excellent collection of products that have been clinically proven to help reduce and eliminate gingivitis. The Clinical PRO-HEALTH® SYSTEM for gingivitis includes:
- Oral-B® ProfessionalCare® SmartSeriesä 5000 Electric Toothbrush
- Glide® PRO-HEALTH® dental floss
- Crest® PRO-HEALTH® Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste
- Crest® PRO-HEALTH® Multi-Protection Rinse
You will also be provided with educational material and instructions on how to maximize your dental hygiene and keep your smile healthy while wearing braces.
Schedule a Visit Today
If you would like to learn more about proper oral hygiene, schedule a visit with Dr. Knight. You can visit us online to schedule an appointment, or call our office at (502) 327-6453 (Louisville) or (270) 351-5151 (Radcliff).
Dr. Knight is so nice and you get treated so well there. Everyone is nice and friendly. They always make sure you’re taken care of.A Patient
Google Reviews
mike pahner
04:26 29 Dec 21
After being charged and going through braces twice 4 surgeries and both times my teeth shifting so badly after the braces were taken off that the retainers would not fit I was told that was the best they could do. I highly recommend nobody ever use him.
Heidi Kaltenhauser
14:10 12 Mar 20
Great staff - friendly and efficient! Dr. Knight does great work and they are very accommodating when it comes to scheduling around changing school events.
Mike Zawisza
18:25 13 Nov 19
My experience with Knight Orthodontics was second to none! Dr. Knight and his staff exhibit the perfect combination of professionalism coupled with a very warm, welcome and friendly demeanor. My teeth are straight, my bite is corrected and I am very grateful for the results. I very highly recommend Knight Orthodontics.
Linda Williamson
14:48 11 Nov 19
We have have very positive experiences at Knight Orthodontics! Both of my children have beautiful smiles now. The office staff is very friendly and helpful also. I would highly recommend them for all of your orthodontic needs!
Brendan Lawson
20:37 04 Oct 19
The way they treat their customers is something I’d expect from a place like this. They treat everyone with dignity, respect, and care. Knight’s is a great small orthodontics business for anyone that needs the help. They definitely do not disappoint!
bluetang98 .
15:27 24 Sep 19
Couldn’t be more happy with my adult orthodontic treatment with Dr. Knight. His experience shows in the results of his work. His staff is amazing and his office runs very efficiently. I was always early for my appointments and they always saw me before or right at my appointment time. I would definitely recommend Dr. Knight.
Noelle McCloud
21:33 04 Sep 19
Could not be happier with the service we have received over the past 2 years and my son's teeth look great!
Amy Hilpp
15:31 25 Jun 19
This experience has been great for both of our girls. Thank you to Dr. Knight and his staff.
stefefird
14:18 21 Jun 19
We love Knight Orthodontics. The team has provided excellent orthodontic care for myself as a teenager, my husband as an adult, and now two of our children. Dr. Knight made sure each of us had a healthy bite in addition to making our teeth look fabulous. The office staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend Knight Orthodontics.
Abbey Helton
12:35 14 Jun 19
We having been come to Knight Orthodontics for over five years! Both of our girls have had braces and orthodontic work. Dr. Knight and his staff have always been kind, supportive and accommodating. The plans were well laid out, we were thoroughly educated and our expectations were always met. The outcomes have been great and our girls are thrilled. I have no reservation recommending Dr. Knight a great experience!
Jennifer Mulligan
15:02 10 Apr 19
Our second child just completed his braces. Dr Knight and his entire staff are wonderful and knowledgeable. Dr Knight stays current on the latest best practices in orthodontics. The level of care has been exceptional and I could not be happier with the results for both of my children.
John B
13:50 25 Mar 19
Great experience with our son's braces. Dr. Knight and all the staff were very patient and professional through the entire process, and our son's teeth look great!
Kristin Higdon
17:47 08 Mar 19
My 8 yo needed a palate expander to create room for her adult teeth. Dr. Knight and his staff helped us through the process gracefully. Kind, supportive office, payment plans, and fun child-friendly environment. Thank you to all who make this place special!
ron Cullison
22:29 15 Feb 19
I had a mess in my mouth! After my initial visit, Dr. Knight explained to me precisely what needed done, how they were going to do it and how it would look when they were finished. He said, “We can fix’em”! As part of the treatment plan, I had an outpatient surgery, Dr. K recommended a surgeon who did the job as expected and without drama (Dr. Vansickles).
Dr. Knight and his team did an awesome job, they are professional and I’m super satisfied with my teeth. This outfit is the next step up from the common Orthodontist.
Steve Dicken
21:53 04 Jan 19
Dr. Knight and his staff are the best. Our 2 oldest daughters have been treated by Dr. Knight and the experience could not have been better. They are the most friendly, caring and professional staff that we have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. We would, and have, highly recommend Dr. Knight.
Sarah Roth
21:49 28 Nov 18
Dr. Knight and his staff are wonderful! My son has special needs and they go above and beyond to accommodate him. Dr. Knight is not only an excellent Orthodontist, he is a patient and kind person. I highly recommend Knight Orthodontics.
David Lindemann
21:19 26 Nov 18
Very pleased with the quality of care and results for our son's palate expander and braces. Will definitely revisit if needed for any of our other children in the future.
Lori Curry
20:20 19 Nov 18
Dr. Knight and his staff are wonderful. All 3 of my children have used their services and we have been extremely happy. The office staff is so friendly and accommodating! Would highly recommend!
Laura Wiseman
14:53 05 Nov 18
I have worked in the dental field for 20+ years and Dr. Knight and his team are known in the dental community as the very best in town! Extremely knowledgeable, thorough, well educated and caring. Dr. Knight and team I cannot thank you enough for the exceptional care that you have provided Emily.
Carrie Jordan
21:33 20 Aug 18
Hands down the best! Ensures that treatment plan is working and adjusts it as necessary. Great office staff, always friendly and helpful!
Thanks for the smile!!
Ellie Fields
17:48 21 May 18
Very helpful and very nice staff!! Never had to wait to be called back. Made having braces a little bit better.
Benjamin Ahmetagic
15:39 14 May 18
Dr. Knight and his staff couldn't have been more skilled at what they do. I initially got braces just to correct my teeth, but they found irregularities in my jaw positioning and I ended up having corrective surgery about a year and a half with the braces on. The recovery process afterwards was tough, but they were more than accommodating. I couldn't recommend them highly enough.
Eric D
14:14 10 May 18
I am rarely impressed by people who do their jobs. Dr knight and the entire staff impress! They are friendly, professional and very efficient. Those are rare qualities these days.
Kristen Cox
15:25 25 Apr 18
Dr. Knight and his team have always made me feel comfortable and welcome in the facility. Aside from the team being extremely friendly, this is one of the most professional practices I have been to in a long time. Customer service goes a long way nowadays and Dr. Knight and his team go above and beyond. I will continue to recommend Dr. Knight to friends and family in need of orthodontics.
Kristen Cox
Angela Shupe
01:35 10 Apr 18
Dr. Knight has provided service to three of my children. One child presented much more than a simple case requiring two rounds of braces, multiple retainers and even oral surgery, all of which Dr. Knight carefully and caringly oversaw. He worked closely with the oral surgeon to achieve the best possible results. In addition, he referred us to a dentist to finish the process with additional cosmetic procedures. The staff at the office are all wonderful to work with. They are very accommodating of scheduling issues and quick to follow up when there are questions or concerns.
Heather Shoopman
20:06 04 Apr 18
Dr. Knight and his staff are wonderful. They get to know you on a personal level. It was a wonderful experience and I am grateful for the amazing work the office provided. I have a beautiful smile and I owe that all to Knight Orthodontics!
Melissa Crawford
18:38 26 Mar 18
Our boys love Dr. Knight! It's been a great experience all the way around, the staff is super helpful, appointments are quick, and the results are remarkable! Highly recommend you won't be disappointed.
Charles Sima
18:39 16 Mar 18
Dr Knight and his staff are exceptional! They go above and beyond taking care of their clients. And most importantly they get your smile to utmost perfection! A+!!! If you require orthodontics then Dr Knight is who you should see!
Cody Everett
18:20 14 Mar 18
Dr. Knight and Staff are wonderful people who do great work. You can feel that they genuinely care about your dental progress and are always willing to accommodate your needs as a patient. I am elated with my new smile.
Tara Moore
17:04 10 Mar 18
I had braces in my teens and pretty extensive work to correct my overbite and alignment. They made it as painless as they possibly could, especially for a teenager. They were always so friendly. I just called to get my records to have on file (I am 25 now) and they told me Dr. Knight had to sign off on them for me to receive them. He called me personally the next day- a Saturday- to see how I was doing and to let me know I could come get my records. What an awesome guy, an amazing practice, and friendly and helpful staff. I definitely recommend them.
Nikki Melton
14:14 08 Mar 18
Absolutely love the staff and Dr Knight! They are always very friendly and take the time to listen to concerns and answer questions. They have done amazing things with my 8 year olds teeth and I look forward to how ever much time we have left as they continue to make her smile perfect.
Becky Meredith
23:23 07 Mar 18
Everyone is so friendly and very professional. I really didn’t want braces but I’m so pleased with the result. I recommend Dr Knight and his office staff highly!
Patrick Thompson
22:20 22 Jan 18
A very professional, efficient, and friendly doctor and office staff. And great results for my teen daughter.
Noshia Saunders
23:43 21 Dec 17
Staff is always pleasant and I was surprised at my second visit they knew my name as soon as I walked in! Very family and community oriented.
Sentinel-7
22:40 19 Dec 17
Great service and excellent follow up appointments whether you have to have braces or anything else you need. They also have brand new, very useful and innovative technology at Knight Orthodontics. I would highly recommend it.
Grace Linscott
21:47 03 Nov 17
The workers were excellent. They took really good care of me. Dr. Knight was awesome couldn’t have asked for a better orthodontist
Genevieve Mulkins
20:15 01 Nov 17
Dr Knight and his staff provide outstanding care; they are always kind; work around our busy schedule and are always understanding. I highly recommend Dr Knight to everyone.
George Atkins
13:46 01 Nov 17
The staff were all very nice and friendly! Dr. Knight had me in and out of braces very quickly and easily.
D Pedro
00:33 31 Oct 17
Dr. Knight did an awesome job on our child’s teeth. Other Orthodontists said the job couldn’t be done. Dr Knight not only said he could do it, he took away all our concerns. We highly recommend Knight Orthodontics!!
Emily Cyphers
14:18 24 Oct 17
I went in for a permanent retainer repair for the first time with Dr. Knight, and had a wonderful experience. I'm new to Kentucky and he talked with me like he new me for years, he was so personable and took the time to get to know me. He had never worked on my teeth before but knew exactly what to do to re-straighten them and get a retainer back in. There is no "new patient" fee which is always nice. He seems to truly care about his patients' smile (teeth) and I will continue to come back to him for any orthodontic care.
Will Heemsoth
21:02 11 Oct 17
Dr Knight and his staff are amazing. My son's treatment went very well and we are tremendously happy with the results. Scheduling was super easy and we always got in and out on time.
David Jones
16:54 05 Oct 17
Dr. Knight is an expert and simply one of the best orthodontics in the area. His staff are very friendly and professional. I highly recommend, especially if you have a complex or difficult case .
Beth Searcy
01:54 07 Sep 17
My issue was more complicated than simply braces to straighten teeth - it included extensive jaw advancement surgery as well. Dr Knight and his staff were great through the entire 18 month process - always available, always willing to answer any questions and they also maintained constant communication with the surgeon so that everyone was always on the same page which was very comforting.
Harrison Bratton
22:27 01 Sep 17
Staff is great, extremely helpful and reliable. Dr.Knight suggests the best things for you and is very good at his job. My smile is bigger and brighter thanks to them !
Reggie Smith
20:53 10 Aug 17
All 4 of my children have had braces at Dr. Knight. He's been been wonderful and I'd highly recommend him. His staff have been really great to work with as well!
Marla Harris
19:52 09 Aug 17
Dr. Knight and his staff have been wonderful throughout the entire process starting with braces for my daughter and now my son. Both of my children had positive experiences with Dr. Knight and his staff. I would highly recommend Knight Orthodontics to anyone. Thanks for making my children's smiles even more beautiful!
Marla Harris
thomas troxtle
19:20 14 Jun 17
Dr. Knight and his team are remarkable! I can't give enough positive feedback about them.
Caring, kind, attentive and personal.
It is definitely 100% about the clients.
Great work.
Life changing.
10 out of 5 stars!!
Elizabeth Clark
00:28 04 Jun 17
I have enjoyed my second round of wearing braces. He has done an excellent job correcting my bite and the time flew by. Before I knew it, my braces were coming off. Dr. Knight and his team really care and take an interest. I used the emergency number, after hours, and Dr. Knight was there for me. When my children come to the point in their life when they will need orthodontics, I will make their appointments with Dr. Knight! Thank you, Dr. Knight and team!
Macreena Groody
21:21 02 Jun 17
I've been coming to Knight Orthodontics since I was in grade school. The team is so friendly and professional, you will always be greeted with a smile. Dr. Knight and his incredible staff make me feel right at home. Dr. Knight has done an amazing job not just on my own teeth, but on my mom and brother's as well. I highly recommend this office!