The role of oral hygiene in orthodontics
You can expect improved dental health once you complete orthodontic treatment. But during the actual treatment process, it will be more important than ever for you to stay on top of a robust teeth-cleaning routine. This way, you’ll be able to show off a bright new smile that feels as amazing as it looks!
Brushing with braces
The key to brushing your teeth with braces is taking the time to be thorough. Because food particles can easily get stuck in and around the brackets, and since the braces themselves make it trickier to reach everywhere, you’ll want to take your time to brush the full surface of each tooth.
Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal when you have braces to avoid plaque buildup and tooth decay.
SOURCE: The Georgia School of Orthodontics
For optimal results and an easier time getting a thorough clean, using an electric toothbrush is recommended.
Flossing with braces
To effectively floss and avoid problems like gingivitis, a precursor to gum disease, it’s recommended that you use a floss threader, which allows you to move the floss around the wire.
SOURCE: The Georgia School of Orthodontics
You should floss at least once per day to give yourself the best chances of avoiding gum inflammation.
How to clean your Invisalign aligners
Completing treatment with Invisalign helps you avoid the food-trapping problem of braces, but you’ll still need to be on top of your cleaning routine with this treatment.
This is because the aligners can trap bacteria and plaque that would normally be rinsed off by saliva. It’s best to brush your teeth after every meal and rinse off your aligners when you first wake up and before you go to bed.
Soaking your aligners using Invisalign’s dissolvable cleaning crystals once per day will help fight bacteria growth and calcium buildup. Avoid products like mouthwash for soaking since they can be too harsh on the plastic material.
To get an even better clean, use a spare toothbrush to remove any stray food particles and rinse off your aligners before replacing them. Be sure to only use cool water since hot water can warp them.
At Bruno Orthodontics, we’re here to help you keep your teeth healthy while you’re on your way to your new smile. Please let us know if you have any questions about caring for your teeth during treatment.