Braces Care
Congratulations on the look!
Taking good care of your braces is key to getting the best results—and keeping your teeth and gums healthy along the way. With a few simple habits, you can protect your appliances, avoid delays, and make your orthodontic journey as smooth as possible.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep your smile on track during treatment.
Stay Ahead with Frequent Dental Cleanings
Additionally, it is highly recommended to increase the frequency of professional dental cleanings—ideally scheduling them every three to four months instead of the usual six—to ensure a deeper clean and prevent potential issues. The presence of braces significantly raises the risk of cavities and gum inflammation, making consistent oral care even more critical in preserving the health of your teeth and gums throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Avoid Certain Foods
Certain foods can damage your braces or slow down your treatment. Sticky, hard, and chewy foods can break brackets, bend wires, or get trapped in hard-to-clean places—leading to cavities and delays. Choosing softer, braces-safe foods will help keep your treatment on track and your smile healthy.
Sticky Foods and Candies
Hard & Crunchy foods
Tough Foods
Daily Care Routine
- Brush After Every Meal
Brushing after eating helps remove food and plaque trapped around brackets and wires. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, making sure to clean above, below, and around every bracket. - Floss Once a Day
Flossing with braces takes a little extra effort, but it’s essential for healthy gums and clean teeth. Use a floss threader or a water flosser to reach between teeth and under the wires. - Rinse with Fluoride
A fluoride mouth rinse can help strengthen enamel and prevent cavities during treatment. It’s an easy extra step that offers added protection. - Take Your Time
Give yourself at least two full minutes to brush carefully. Slow, thorough cleaning is much more effective than rushing through your routine.
Extra Products
Orthodontic Toothbrushes
Smaller heads and softer bristles make it easier to clean around brackets and wires without causing damage.
Interdental Brushes
Tiny brushes that fit between brackets and wires to clean hard-to-reach areas where a regular toothbrush can’t.
Water Flossers
A great alternative or addition to traditional flossing, water flossers help flush out food particles and plaque with a gentle stream of water.
Floss Threaders
Simple tools that make it easier to guide floss under your archwires for more complete cleaning.