Maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces or Invisalign can be daunting at first. Patients wonder if they’re doing things the right way, and that’s normal. It’s good to be concerned about the proper technique for cleaning your hardware and teeth. Here are some tricks to develop a manageable routine and take good care of your orthodontics so your treatment stays on track.
If You Have Traditional Braces
Whether you’re wearing traditional metal braces or ceramic brackets, this hardware is not easy to clean, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.
- Brush every morning and night – and after every meal or snack: A soft, round-bristle toothbrush is the best choice.
- Floss at least once a day: Dental floss is still the only way to clean along your gumline and in between your teeth, but a water flosser or interdental brush works well too.
- Use an antimicrobial rinse: Mouthwash supports a fresh mouth and is an additional tool that keeps teeth clean for someone who has hardware all over their teeth.
- Watch yourself brush: Try to brush at a 45-degree angle so the toothbrush bristles point toward the gumline. Brush above and below your brackets. Watching yourself brush ensures that you touch each tooth every time.
You might feel like you’re cleaning your teeth all the time, but the more you brush and floss, the better off you’ll be. You don’t want to develop tooth decay during orthodontic treatment or discover cavities after the brackets are off.
If You Wear Invisalign
It’s a little easier for Invisalign patients to clean their teeth. Their braces are removable and they’re free from brackets and wires that easily collect food particles. If you want Invisalign to remain subtle, good cleaning is essential.
- Remove trays to brush and floss: You can’t clean anything thoroughly when the trays are still in your mouth.
- Clean trays daily: Your orthodontist will guide you on the best method, but it’s usually pretty simple – a combo of brushing and rinsing to get rid of bacteria and particles that have accumulated on the trays.
- Brush attachments carefully: These tooth-colored dots strategically placed on your teeth collect debris and can become discolored without careful daily brushing.
- Remove aligners for meals and snacks: Invisalign could stain, break, or develop odors if you don’t keep them away from the food you eat.
For Every Orthodontic Patient
Your oral health is more important than ever when you have braces. Prioritize oral hygiene and you will have a successful round of orthodontic treatment.
- Have a to-go teeth cleaning kit: Make sure you have a toothbrush, dental floss, toothpaste, and any other dental tools with you at all times for on-the-go teeth cleanings.
- See your dentist regularly: You don’t skip teeth cleanings every six months just because you have braces. In fact, these cleanings are more important than ever so the hygienist can reach areas you cannot.
- Consider additional professional cleanings: It doesn’t hurt to get extra pro cleanings while wearing braces. Ask your orthodontist if he or she recommends this.
Don’t worry about maintaining good oral hygiene when you have braces. With help from your Center City orthodontists Drs. Roberts & de Marsche you’ll know just what to do to keep your smile healthy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.