Oral Hygiene

Braces create extra places for food and plaque to hide, so a good home routine is essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to avoid white spots when the braces come off.

Brushing

• Brush after every meal and before bed with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Angle the bristles toward the gums above and below the brackets, and spend about two minutes on each brushing.
• Check in the mirror – brackets should look clean and shiny.

Flossing

• Floss once a day. A floss threader, orthodontic floss with a stiff end, or a water flosser makes it much easier to get under the wire.

Helpful tools

• Interdental brushes clean between brackets and under wires.
• Fluoride rinse helps strengthen enamel during treatment.
• Orthodontic wax soothes spots where brackets rub.

Aligner and retainer care

Brush your teeth before putting aligners back in, and rinse aligners or retainers in cool water. Hot water can warp them.