Oral Hygiene Guide
Your complete guide to maintaining
excellent oral health during orthodontic treatment
Why Oral Hygiene Matters During Orthodontic Treatment
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is crucial for achieving the best results. Proper care prevents cavities, gum disease, and ensures your beautiful new smile stays healthy for life.
Prevent Cavities
Proper cleaning removes plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay during treatment.
Healthy Gums
Good hygiene prevents gum inflammation and disease that can affect treatment progress.
Better Results
Clean teeth and healthy gums ensure optimal movement and shorter treatment times.
Essential Oral Hygiene Tools
Having the right tools makes all the difference in maintaining excellent oral health during treatment.
Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Essential for gentle yet effective cleaning around brackets and wires
Fluoride Toothpaste
Helps prevent cavities and strengthens enamel during treatment
Interdental Brush
Perfect for cleaning between brackets and under wires
Water Flosser
Removes plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas
Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Reduces bacteria and freshens breath throughout treatment
Orthodontic Wax
Provides relief from bracket irritation and protects soft tissues
Platypus Flosser
Convenient tool designed to make flossing around braces quick, easy, and effective
ACT Fluoride Mouth Rinse
Helps strengthen tooth enamel, prevent cavities, and protect smiles with an easy daily swish.
Oral-B Super Floss
Removes plaque and debris with stiffened end and spongy floss.
Floss and Floss Threaders
Essential tools for cleaning between teeth, braces, bridges, and implants.
Cleaning Your Braces
Follow these step-by-step instructions to keep your braces and teeth sparkling clean.
Rinse Before Brushing
Rinse with water to remove loose food particles and debris
Brush at 45-Degree Angle
Angle your toothbrush to clean above, below, and around each bracket
Use Circular Motions
Gently brush in small circular motions for 2-3 minutes
Clean Between Brackets
Use an interdental brush to clean between brackets and wires
Floss with Threader
Use a floss threader to get under the wire and between teeth
Rinse with Mouthwash
Finish with an antimicrobial mouthwash for complete protection
Caring for Your Clear Aligners
Keep your aligners clean and your teeth healthy with these simple steps.
Remove Aligners
Always remove aligners before eating, drinking, or cleaning
Brush Teeth Normally
Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would
Clean Aligners
Rinse aligners with lukewarm water and brush gently with mild liquid or foaming hand soap
Use Cleaning Crystals
Soak aligners in cleaning solution or crystals once a week
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse aligners thoroughly before putting them back in
Reinsert Aligners
Make sure aligners are properly seated on all teeth
Common Issues & Solutions
Don’t worry if you encounter these common issues. Here’s how to address them quickly and effectively.
Food Stuck in Braces
Use an interdental brush or water flosser to gently remove debris. Never use sharp objects.
White Spots on Teeth
These are early signs of decay. Increase fluoride use and improve cleaning technique.
Swollen or Bleeding Gums
Sign of gingivitis. Improve brushing technique and use antimicrobial mouthwash. Floss at least once a day
Bad Breath
Usually caused by poor cleaning. Increase brushing and flossing frequency and use tongue scraper