Embarking on orthodontic treatment is an exciting journey toward a healthier, more beautiful smile. Whether you’re wearing traditional braces, clear aligners, or another orthodontic appliance, maintaining excellent oral hygiene during treatment is essential. Proper care not only ensures your teeth stay healthy but also helps you achieve the best possible results. Here are comprehensive tips to keep your smile in top condition throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Daily Cleaning: The Foundation of Orthodontic Care
For Traditional Braces
Brush Thoroughly and Frequently
- Brush after every meal and snack, or at minimum, three times daily
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or orthodontic brush designed for braces
- Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against the gums, then at a downward angle to clean above brackets and at an upward angle to clean below brackets
- Spend at least two minutes brushing, ensuring you clean each tooth surface – the front, back, and chewing surfaces.
- Consider an electric toothbrush with an orthodontic head for more effective cleaning
Master the Art of Flossing with Braces
- Use floss threaders or orthodontic flossers to navigate around wires
- Thread the floss between the main wire and your teeth
- Gently floss between each tooth, moving the floss up and down along each tooth surface
- Aim to floss at least once daily, preferably before bedtime
- Water flossers can be an excellent supplement to traditional flossing
Interdental Brushes: Your Secret Weapon
- Use interdental brushes (small brushes that fit between teeth) to clean around brackets and under wires
- These brushes can reach places regular brushes miss
- Make them part of your daily cleaning routine for best results
For Clear Aligners
Aligner Hygiene
- Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything except plain, room temperature water
- Rinse aligners every time you remove and replace them
- Clean aligners at least twice daily using:
- Specialized aligner cleaning crystals or tablets
- Gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste, which can be abrasive causing aligners to become less clear)
- Clear, antibacterial soap and lukewarm water (never hot water, which can warp aligners) is ideal to keep aligners as clear as possible
- Allow aligners to dry completely before storing them
- Never wrap aligners in tissue or napkins when removed (they often get thrown away!)
Oral Hygiene with Aligners
- Brush and floss before reinserting aligners
- Clean your teeth after every meal or snack before putting aligners back in
- Rinse your mouth with water if you can’t brush immediately
- Keep a travel oral hygiene kit with you for on-the-go cleaning
Diet Modifications: What to Embrace and Avoid
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Hard Foods
- Ice
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Popcorn (especially unpopped kernels)
- Hard pretzels or crackers
- Hard fruits and vegetables (unless cut into small pieces)
Sticky Foods
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Gummy candies
- Chewing gum (unless specifically approved by your orthodontist)
- Sticky granola bars
Foods That Require Biting Into
- Whole apples (cut them into pieces instead)
- Corn on the cob (cut the corn off first)
- Ribs and meat on the bone
- Crusty bread or bagels
Mindful Eating with Clear Aligners
- Remove aligners for all food and drinks (except plain water)
- Avoid drinking colored or sugary beverages with aligners in
- Be aware of your daily wear time (typically 20-22 hours)
- Plan meals efficiently to maximize aligner wear time
- Careful attention to your diet is still necessary with aligners as the tooth colored attachments placed on teeth can also be damaged
Professional Care During Treatment
Regular Orthodontic Appointments
- Never miss scheduled adjustment appointments
- Contact your orthodontist if you notice any broken brackets or wires
- Follow all specific instructions given by your orthodontist
- Ask questions if you’re unsure about any aspect of care
Maintaining Dental Check-ups
- Continue seeing your regular dentist for cleanings every six months
- Professional cleanings are especially important during orthodontic treatment
- Your dentist can spot early signs of decay or gum problems
- Professional fluoride treatments may be recommended for additional protection
Managing Common Orthodontic Challenges
Dealing with Discomfort
- Use orthodontic wax on brackets or wires that cause irritation
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe minor irritations
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers (ex. Tylenol) as directed for soreness after adjustments and aligner checks
- Stick to softer foods for a day or two after adjustments
Addressing White Spots and Decay
- White spots on teeth can indicate early demineralization
- Maintain excellent hygiene to prevent these spots
- Ask your orthodontist about prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste
- Consider fluoride rinses to help remineralize enamel
- Report any white spots to your orthodontist immediately
- If brushing and flossing is not a regular habit, the plaque build up can lead to permanent scars that are only restorable through dental fillings
Caring for Retainers After Treatment
- Clean retainers daily according to your orthodontist’s instructions
- Store retainers in their case when not in use
- Keep retainers away from heat, which can warp them
- Wear retainers exactly as prescribed to maintain your results
- Bring retainers to all follow-up appointments
Advanced Care Options
Helpful Products for Orthodontic Patients
- Fluoride mouth rinses to strengthen enamel
- Proxy brushes for cleaning between brackets
- Orthodontic wax for irritation relief
- Travel oral hygiene kits
- Specialized floss threaders
- Water flossers for enhanced cleaning
Technology-Assisted Care
- Timer apps to ensure proper brushing duration
- Aligner tracking apps for clear aligner users
- Smart toothbrushes that monitor brushing coverage
- Reminder applications for wearing elastics or changing aligners
Special Considerations for Different Age Groups
Children and Teens
- Parents may need to help younger children with thorough cleaning
- Establish a consistent routine with a brushing chart or rewards system
- School-age children should keep cleaning supplies in their backpack or locker
- Teens with active lifestyles should wear mouthguards during sports
Adults
- Be mindful of existing dental work like crowns or bridges during cleaning
- Address any gum concerns promptly, as adults are more prone to gum disease
- Consider how medications might affect oral health (some cause dry mouth)
- Balance professional appearance concerns with thorough care
The Long-Term Perspective
Remember that orthodontic treatment is temporary, but the results can last a lifetime with proper care. The extra effort you put into oral hygiene during treatment will pay off with a healthy, beautiful smile when your braces come off or your aligner treatment concludes. Think of this time as an opportunity to develop excellent oral hygiene habits that will benefit you long after treatment ends.
Partner with Us for Optimal Orthodontic Health
At our mother-daughter orthodontic practice in Wichita, Kansas, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your treatment journey. We provide personalized care instructions and are always available to answer questions or address concerns about maintaining your oral health during treatment.
Our team can recommend specific products tailored to your needs and demonstrate proper cleaning techniques during your visits. We believe that education and prevention are key components of successful orthodontic treatment.
If you’re experiencing any difficulties with your oral hygiene routine or have questions about caring for your braces or aligners, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. Together, we can ensure your orthodontic treatment results in not just a beautifully aligned smile, but also healthy teeth and gums that will serve you well for years to come.
