DISCOVER
YOUR NEW SMILE
HEALTHY SMILES
THAT LAST A LIFETIME
DISCOVER
YOUR NEW SMILE
HEALTHY SMILES
THAT LAST A LIFETIME
WE CREATE
BEAUTIFUL SMILES
HEALTHY SMILES
THAT LAST A LIFETIME
DISCOVER
YOUR NEW SMILE
WE CREATE
BEAUTIFUL SMILES
HEALTHY SMILES
THAT LAST A LIFETIME
WE CREATE
BEAUTIFUL SMILES
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Oral
Hygiene

You already know that maintaining good oral hygiene is important for everyone — but when you're having orthodontic treatment, it's even more critical. Why? Because, while the appliances (such as braces or clear aligners) you may need to wear during treatment are very effective in correcting misaligned teeth, they can also trap food particles easily. Keeping your teeth (and your appliances) clean is a little harder — but you can do it!

The major enemy of oral health is plaque. Food that becomes trapped near tooth surfaces can lead to the formation of plaque — a thin coating of microorganisms and organic debris (biofilm) containing potentially harmful bacteria. Braces or other appliances make it harder to remove plaque. The bacteria in plaque digest the sugars in food, producing acids which may erode teeth and irritate gums. This can cause cavities, white spots on teeth, gum disease and bad breath.

Keeping plaque under control is one of the most effective means of maintaining strong, healthy teeth and gums. There are three general ways to do it: through diet, daily maintenance, and regular professional care. Taken all together, they're your teeth's best defense.

Controlling your diet involves avoiding foods that could increase your risk of developing tooth decay. That means cutting down or eliminating foods with an excess of sugar, like soda, sweets, and ice cream. It also means avoiding foods that could easily become stuck in your braces, like toffee, gum, licorice and caramels.

Foods that are very hard or extremely sticky can also cause physical damage to orthodontic appliances. Certainly braces or retainers with broken wires or loose brackets aren't working to straighten your teeth! You should avoid foods like hard candies or nuts, beef jerky and hard pizza crust. Keep eating healthy foods like carrots and apples — but cut them into bite-sized pieces first! And don't chew on ice, pencils, or your nails: these habits can cause damage to your appliances, and even result in chipped teeth!

How to Clean Teeth With Braces

You know how important brushing and flossing are for keeping a healthy smile — especially now that you're in orthodontic treatment. But sometimes it's harder to clean your teeth effectively around an appliance's brackets and wires. Here are some tools and tips you can try for better tooth cleaning.

Either a soft-bristle or a bi-level toothbrush (one with longer bristles on the edges and shorter ones in the middle) can be effective in plaque removal — even with braces. An electric toothbrush can also be used, on a moderate setting. For hard-to-clean areas, try an interdental brush, or proxabrush. The small bristles of this special tooth-cleaning aid, which is shaped like a pipe cleaner, can get in between wires, brackets and teeth. With gentle and persistent effort, it's possible to reach into the smallest nooks and crannies, and control plaque buildup.

How to Clean Clear Aligners

You should floss at least once a day during orthodontic treatment. While it's a little harder to do with braces, there are some special products available — including floss threaders and particular kinds of floss — that can help you get the floss between wires and gum line. Our staff will review proper brushing and flossing techniques with you when your braces are put on — but if you ever have questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Depending on your situation, we may recommend an in-office or at-home supplemental fluoride treatment to boost your cavity resistance. An antiseptic rinse may also be recommended, to ease minor gum inflammation or irritation.

How to Clean Removable Retainers

If you have a retainer, it should be brushed daily, the same way you brush your teeth. We may also recommend using a cleaning solution — but never put hot water on your retainer, because it can distort the soft plastic and make it unusable! And always keep it in a case when it's not in your mouth.

Professional Care

Even though you're seeing an orthodontist regularly, that doesn't mean you don't need to see your regular dentist — in fact, it's just as important as ever! While we're focused on improving your bite and alignment, your dentist will make sure your teeth stay healthy with thorough examinations, cleanings and preventive care. Your orthodontic treatment is a team effort where everyone — our office, you, and your family dentist — has an important role to play. And the team has just one goal: giving you a winning smile.

oral hygiene

At Parigini Orthodontics, your smile is our top priority! We maintain a commitment of excellence in every facet of our practice.
Contact us today for an appointment – we look forward to meeting you and seeing you smile!
quote
What Our Patients
ARE SAYING
quote
“Dr. Parigini and all the staff are very warm, friendly, and extraordinarily skilled. Enjoyed each and every visit and my smile is unbelievable! Even as an adult orthodontic patient, definitely worth it!“ - Janis D.
“Dr. Parigini is the bomb.com! He took very good care of me and my teeth. Thanks to him I have a beautiful smile! All the waiting was well worth it. Thank you Dr. Parigini!“ - Caroline K.
“I can’t tell you how pleased I am and how both Jack and Jordan’s teeth came out after 1.5 years! They are thrilled with their smiles. Your office staff has been amazing as well as the orthodontic assistants. I always refer you guys.“ - Jackie S.
“My experience with Dr. Parigini and his staff has been nothing short of amazing. I can honestly say I had no pain and no problems. I would recommend treatment to anyone. I’m very grateful!“ - Kim B.
“Dear Dr. Parigini and staff, a special thank you to everyone for helping to correct my smile this past year. The result is awesome. I’m really happy to move on beyond the rubber bands!“ - Jeanne H.
“Love the atmosphere and excellent customer service.“ - Valerie B.
“To the crew – with sincere appreciation! You are all so wonderful, talented and kind! Thank you so much for all your hard work! Much thanks.“ - Emily B.
“My experience with Dr. Parigini was great! Every time I have an appointment everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming! Thank you very much! I really enjoy the results!“ - Garrett S.
“Dr. Parigini and team are the most professional, compassionate dental office I have ever been in. I am so happy with my new smile! I would highly recommend them! Thank you so much.“ - Nancy M.
“Thanks to everyone! I couldn’t be happier with my new smile! Many thanks.“ - Kathleen C.
“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your kind and professional care over the last two years! I truly appreciate everything. Best regards.“ - Sue B.
“Absolutely perfect! Any questions were answered so that we understood and any concerns were solved in the best way. He definitely knows what he is doing and you can tell that his main goal is to give people smiles that make them confident. I couldn’t be happier with how my smile tuned out.“ - Louisa S.
“Dr. Parigini and his staff have been amazing. I am so happy with my new smile and straight teeth.“ - Caitlin H.
“Many thanks to Dr. Parigini and his helpful staff! Big smiles from the Bray Family today!“ - The Bray Family
“I have had such a wonderful experience with Dr. Parigini and all his beautiful staff members. I feel so much more confident all ready with straight teeth with an approved smile. Thank you so much ! :)“ - Zoe D.
“Dr. Parigini was the best orthodontist, him and his staff made me feel great. You guys are the best. Thank you for everything!“ - Damaris J.
“When I first went here I was really scared. But when I met Dr. Parigini I knew I had nothing to worry about. Everyone here was so nice that I almost got to the point where I was looking forward to get my braces tightened. Thank you so much for making my teeth straight.“ - Sarah D.
Minden OFFICE
1702 County Road, Suite G
Minden, NV 89423
Fax: (775) 782-3620


Office Hours
Monday - Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed for lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Stateline OFFICE
276 Kingsbury Grade Road, Suite 201
Stateline, NV 89449
Fax: (775) 782-3620


Office Hours
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Closed for lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Closed for lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.