If you’re wearing braces or clear aligners, you already know you’re on the path to a straighter, healthier smile. But with that journey comes a little extra responsibility -keeping your teeth and gums clean while navigating wires, brackets, or plastic trays. The last thing you want is to complete your treatment only to discover cavities or stains where your braces once were. Let’s talk about the best ways to keep your teeth in top shape during orthodontic treatment.
Brushing & Flossing: The Basics (But More Often!)
Braces and aligners make it easier for plaque and food debris to hide in hard-to-reach places. That means brushing twice a day isn’t enough - you should aim for brushing after every meal.
Brushing With Braces
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush to clean around brackets and wires.
Brush at a 45-degree angle to reach under the brackets and along the gumline.
Consider using an interdental brush (a tiny brush that fits between brackets) for extra precision.
Brushing With Aligners
Since aligners are removable, brushing is easier - but don’t forget to clean your trays too!
Avoid using toothpaste on aligners, as it can scratch them. Instead, use mild soap or an aligner cleaner. Even Polident works!
Never put aligners back in after eating without brushing first - otherwise, you’re trapping food and bacteria against your teeth.
Flossing: Yes, You Still Need To!
Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s non-negotiable. Try using:
Floss threaders – These help guide floss under wires.
Water flossers – A great alternative to traditional flossing, especially for reaching between brackets.
Orthodontic floss – Pre-cut floss with a stiff end designed for braces wearers.
For aligners, flossing is much easier - just make sure to do it at least once a day to remove plaque between teeth.
Watch Your Diet: What You Eat Matters
Braces come with a list of “do not eat” foods - sticky, hard, or crunchy foods can break brackets or get stuck in wires.
Some top offenders include:
❌ Popcorn
❌ Chewy candy (caramel, taffy, gummies)
❌ Hard nuts & pretzels
❌ Ice (yes, people really chew on it!)
For aligner users, the rules are more relaxed, but it’s important to remove your trays before eating or drinking anything except water to avoid staining and buildup.
Regular Dental Hygiene Visits: Very Important
Braces and aligners create extra hiding spots for bacteria, so professional dental cleanings are crucial. Schedule visits with your dental hygienist every 3 to 6 months to keep your teeth and gums in top shape. Your dental hygienist can also check for any issues caused by braces, such as early signs of gum inflammation.
Avoid White Spots & Stains
If plaque builds up around brackets, it can cause demineralization, leaving behind white spots once the braces come off. The best way to prevent this is by keeping your teeth clean and using fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.
For aligner users, not cleaning your trays properly can cause them to develop a cloudy or yellowish tint—which isn’t a great look!
Final Thoughts
Braces and aligners are a commitment, but they’re worth it. By taking extra care with your oral hygiene, you’ll set yourself up for a beautiful, healthy smile when your treatment is complete. Remember: Clean teeth move faster! So, put in the effort now, and your future self will thank you.
Have questions about keeping your teeth clean with braces or aligners? Book a dental hygiene visit today!
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