Receiving implant teeth brings back the esthetics and function you once experienced with your natural teeth. Just as well as natural teeth, implants require regular maintenance care to ensure a healthy tissue environment.
Your toothbrush is the key to a confident and bright dental future. It is just as important to clean the removable prosthesis as it is to clean your natural teeth. When using toothpaste, a small amount of low-abrasive toothpaste used with the brush is recommended.
The implants and prosthesis must be thoroughly cleaned daily if they are to be a long-term success. It is therefore a good idea to follow a routine each time you brush your mouth, to ensure that all surfaces are cleaned.
Implant Bridge - daily care
Important areas to clean:
- Your implant-supported tooth, above and below the gumline
- In between your neighboring teeth
Step-by-step guide
1. Toothbrush
It may be necessary to modify the brush for the inner side of the teeth and hard-to-reach areas. A power brush can be a good alternative and an easy-to-handle complement. If you have a bridge, make sure to clean under the bridge.
2. End-tufted brush
A soft end-tufted brush (interspace brush) is suitable for hard-to-reach areas around your implantsupported tooth or the lingual surfaces (inner side of teeth) and around the implant posts facial side (outer side) of your implantsupported teeth.
3. Interdental brush
The use of an interdental brush (interproximal brush) helps in cleaning  the sides of the implant-supported tooth, crown, abutment posts and the surface under the bridge. Use the brush with a back-and-forth stroke, gently pressing it against the side of the implant-supported tooth or abutment posts.
                                   The brush should not be too small, decreasing the cleaning effect, or too big, causing discomfort when brushing. A plastic-coated threading is recommended. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice on the technique, size and shape for your interdental brush.
Note: Never use toothpaste in combination with the interdental brush.
4. Floss
In narrow areas, where the interdental brush is hard to use, floss is recommended. Clean the sides of your implantsupported tooth and abutment posts by passing floss (thick floss) back and forth between the implant tooth and the neighboring teeth, or through the space next to the abutment posts. Clean the bridge adjacent to the gumline using a sideways stroke. |
