Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment
Healthy Teeth, Beautiful Smile
A straight smile is beautiful, but a healthy smile is priceless!
At Impact Orthodontics, we believe that excellent oral hygiene is just as important as your orthodontic treatment.
Keeping your teeth clean not only ensures a stunning final result but also helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and staining along the way.
Whether you have braces, an appliance like an expander, or aligners, we’re here to guide you through every step of your oral care routine.
Why Oral Hygiene Matters with Orthodontic Treatment
Clean teeth help your treatment progress smoothly, ensuring the best possible results. Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile—and maintaining great oral hygiene protects that investment! Without proper care, you risk:
Cavities
forming around brackets or under appliances.
Gum disease
from plaque buildup.
Staining
or discoloration that can leave marks when braces come off.
Delays in treatment
due to dental issues.
How to Clean Your Teeth with Braces
Braces make keeping your teeth clean a bit more challenging, but don’t worry—we’ll teach you exactly what to do and supply you with the tools you need!
Step-by-Step Brushing Routine:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to clean above and below each bracket.
- Brush each tooth individually, making sure to get around the wires and brackets.
- Spend at least 4 minutes brushing, focusing on hard-to-reach areas.
Flossing with Braces:
- Use floss threaders or orthodontic flossers to get between teeth.
- Consider a water flosser to make flossing easier and more effective.
Pro Tips:
- Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel.
- Use a small interdental brush to clean around brackets and wires.
- Check your teeth in the mirror after brushing to make sure you didn’t miss any spots!
How to Clean Your Teeth with Appliances (e.g., Expanders)
Appliances like expanders require a few changes to your routine, but it’s easy once you know how!
Brushing Routine:
- Brush as usual, but pay extra attention around the appliance.
- Use interdental brushes or a proxy brush to clean under wires and around the appliance.
- Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to keep everything fresh!
Flossing with Appliances:
- Floss around the appliance carefully, using threaders if needed.
Pro Tips:
- Rinse thoroughly to remove trapped food.
- Use a water flosser to reach tricky spots and rinse out debris.
How to Clean Your Teeth with Aligners
Aligners make oral hygiene easy because they don’t get in the way of your regular routine!
Brushing Routine:
- Brush twice a day and floss once a day as usual.
- Pay attention to your gum line to prevent buildup.
Caring for Your Aligners:
- Rinse aligners with lukewarm water every time you remove them.
- Brush aligners twice a day with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything but water with your aligners in.
Pro Tips:
- Store aligners in their case when not in use.
- Never use hot water to clean aligners—it can warp the plastic!
Our Commitment to Helping You Succeed
At Impact Orthodontics, we don’t just straighten your teeth—we help you keep them healthy, too! We’ll teach you the right techniques for brushing, flossing, and caring for your appliances or aligners.
We provide personalized guidance, tools, and tips to make oral hygiene simple and effective. And during every appointment, we’ll check in to ensure your teeth stay healthy throughout your orthodontic journey.
Common Oral Hygiene Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping flossing, especially with braces or appliances.
Eating sugary snacks without cleaning your teeth afterward.
Not brushing around brackets and wires thoroughly.
Forgetting to clean aligners properly, leading to bacteria buildup.
Need More Tips or Have Questions?
Keeping your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to be complicated. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, we’re here to help!
Schedule an Appointment or Hygiene Check
A healthy smile is a beautiful smile—and we’re here to help you achieve both!
Oral Hygiene
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m brushing well enough with braces?
Check your teeth in the mirror after brushing. If you see any food particles or plaque around brackets, give it another go! We’re always here to show you the right technique.
What should I do if my gums feel sore or swollen?
Soreness can happen, especially when you first get braces or an appliance. Make sure you’re brushing gently but thoroughly, and rinse with warm salt water to soothe your gums. If discomfort persists, contact us!
Do I need to clean my aligners every time I remove them?
Yes! Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water to prevent bacteria buildup and keep them clear.
