Orthodontic treatment can give you that dream smile—but only if you keep your teeth healthy throughout the journey. Whether you’re rocking metal brackets or clear aligners, maintaining oral health with braces or aligners requires a little extra care. If you neglect it, you could end up with straight teeth…and a mouth full of cavities. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.
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TLDR – Quick Guide
- Brush and floss thoroughly around brackets or aligner trays
- Avoid sticky, hard, and sugary foods that can damage appliances
- Clean aligners daily and store them properly
- Regular dental checkups are crucial even during orthodontic care
- Use special tools like water flossers and interdental brushesnd avoiding mouth trauma can help prevent both.
Implementation Tactics
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Brushing twice a day isn’t enough when you’ve got hardware on your teeth. Food loves to hide around brackets and wires, so:
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or electric one with an orthodontic head
- Brush after every meal—yes, every meal
- Angle your brush above and below brackets to get every nook
- Floss daily with a floss threader or switch to a water flosser
Cleaning with Aligners
Aligners are removable—but that doesn’t mean they clean themselves. If you’re using Invisalign or another clear aligner brand:
- Rinse and brush aligners every time you take them out
- Soak them daily in a cleaning solution to prevent discoloration
- Never eat with them in, and brush your teeth before reinserting
Avoiding the Usual Suspects: Foods to Skip
Certain foods can sabotage your oral hygiene and appliances:
- Sticky foods: gum, caramel, taffy
- Hard snacks: popcorn, nuts, ice cubes
- Sugary treats: sodas and candy can lead to decay under brackets
Aligner wearers aren’t off the hook—eating or drinking anything but water with trays in can stain them and trap bacteria.
Stay on Top of Dental Visits
Your orthodontist isn’t the only one you should be seeing regularly. Dentists help prevent the small stuff from becoming big problems:
- Schedule cleanings every 6 months (more if recommended)
- Get fluoride treatments if you’re at risk of cavities
- Your dentist may recommend sealants or other preventive measures
Use the Right Tools
Orthodontic care doesn’t mean you’re limited to a toothbrush and paste. Consider:
- Interdental brushes to clean between wires
- Water flossers for ease and efficiency
- Orthodontic wax to ease irritation from brackets or wires.
Key Takeaways
- Cleanliness is key—take brushing, flossing, and aligner care seriously
- Say no to food that can break or stain your appliances
- Keep up with your dentist even during orthodontic treatment
- Use the right tools to reach the tight spots
- Consistency equals success—don’t slack just because you’ve got a cool new smile-in-progress
FAQs
1. Can I use mouthwash with braces or aligners?
Yes, and you should! Mouthwash with fluoride can help prevent decay and gingivitis—especially in hard-to-reach spots around brackets or trays.
2. How do I keep my aligners from smelling?
Clean them thoroughly with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap. Avoid hot water (it can warp the plastic), and always store them in a ventilated case.
3. What if my gums bleed when I floss?
A little bleeding is common when you’re just getting into the habit, but it should improve. If it persists, it could be a sign of gum inflammation—don’t skip flossing, and talk to your dentist.
4. Can I whiten my teeth while wearing braces?
It’s best to wait. Whitening can create uneven shades since the area under your brackets won’t be exposed. With aligners, ask your dentist about approved whitening gels or strips.
5. What should I do if a bracket breaks or aligner cracks?
Call your orthodontist immediately. A broken bracket can delay your progress or cause irritation, and a cracked aligner may not apply the correct pressure anymore.