How To Care For Your Orthodontic Appliances

Braces and the wires that connect them can make oral hygiene more challenging, but with the right tools and habits, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy during your treatment journey.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally after every meal, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use small circular motions to clean around each bracket. Angle the brush at 45 degrees toward the gumline to ensure you’re cleaning both the teeth and the gums. Don’t forget the chewing surfaces and the backs of your teeth.

Flossing is essential to prevent plaque buildup between the teeth and gum inflammation. Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss, such as Oral-B Super Floss, to clean between your teeth and gently beneath the gumline, where food and plaque can accumulate. A water flosser can also help flush out debris and maintain healthy gums, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Incorporate a fluoride mouthwash into your routine to strengthen your teeth and provide extra protection against cavities. Use it after brushing and flossing as a final step in your oral hygiene routine.

Proper care helps ensure your braces stay secure and function as they should. Follow these tips to prevent loose brackets or broken wires:

• Steer clear of hard, crunchy foods that can break brackets or wires
• Avoid using your teeth as tools to bite non-food items
• Use a mouthguard during sports to protect your braces and teeth

One of the biggest advantages of choosing clear aligners is how easy it is to maintain your oral hygiene routine during treatment. Because they are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. 

Proper care for your aligners is essential to keep them clean, maintain their fit, and keep your treatment on track.

• Wear your clear aligners for at least 22 hours per day
• Remove your aligners every time you eat or drink anything other than water
• When removing your aligners, rinse them with cool or lukewarm water to keep them fresh
• Store your aligners in their case whenever they are not being worn to avoid loss or damage
• Protect your aligners from heat, which can warp them and affect their fit
• At least once a day, brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of mild dish soap or hand soap to keep them clean

Retainers are essential for maintaining the alignment of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. They also help preserve the progress made between Phase I and Phase II treatment. With consistent use and proper care, retainers ensure your teeth stay in the right position for life.

• Remove your retainers before eating or drinking anything other than water.
• Rinse your retainers before putting them back in your mouth.
• Always store retainers in their case when not in use to prevent loss or damage.
• Clean your retainers daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of mild dish soap or hand soap.

Orthodontic appliances like expanders, space maintainers, and functional appliances play an important role in guiding proper tooth and jaw development. These devices are often used in children to address specific issues, such as maintaining space for permanent teeth, improving bite function and supporting healthy jaw development. Proper care is essential to ensure these appliances perform as intended throughout treatment.

• Brush teeth thoroughly around the appliance to remove food debris and prevent plaque buildup
• Sticky foods like gum or caramel and hard foods like nuts or ice should be avoided, as they can damage the appliance or cause it to come loose
• Rinse with water after meals to help remove any food particles that might get stuck in or around the appliance
• Check regularly for any broken or loose parts, and contact the office right away if adjustments are needed
• Follow the specific guidelines provided for your child’s appliance, including how and when to adjust it if required
• Remind your child not to play with or attempt to adjust the appliance themselves, as this can result in damage