Brushing with Braces
When you first begin your orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to pay close attention to your oral hygiene. With a little extra work, you’ll have no trouble keeping your mouth shiny clean.
You should be brushing your teeth after meals, so for most people that is three times a day.
Useful tip: If you don’t have time to brush, try rinsing your mouth with mouthwash or water to dislodge the food.
What type of toothbrush should I use?
Soft toothbrushes are ideal for those undergoing treatment. Only minimal pressure is required to clean teeth and a soft brush used correctly is the way to go.
Note: Interdental brushes can help clean between teeth during orthodontic treatment.
Is there a special technique for brushing with braces?
Whilst there is no “right technique”, we follow these 6 tips to clean your mouth fully.
- 1. At a 45-degree angle, begin where the tooth meets the gum. Brushing in a circular motion, clean each tooth, one at a time.
- 2. Heading back to the tooth you started on, clean above the bracket, angling the toothbrush downwards so the bristles get behind the bracket.
- 3. Now, the same again, but from below the bracket, angling the toothbrush upwards.
- 4. Brush the tongue and the side of your teeth.
- 5. Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
- 6. Rinse.
Following this routine will ensure that your teeth are looked after whilst the braces improve your smile.
Flossing with Braces
Traditional dental floss can still be used to floss your teeth. However, the wires may get in the way, in which case there are a few extra tools you can use.
- An interdental cleaner is a great tool for flossing. It allows you to get in and behind the brackets and wires.
- An orthodontic floss threader allows you to thread the floss like a needle above the wire. It is a useful and disposable tool to clean your gums.
- Super floss can make for a simpler flossing with braces!
Without proper care, Invisalign aligners can gather bacteria, cause bad breath, and become anything but invisible. Below are a few basic tips to ensure you maintain good oral hygiene, whilst wearing your Invisalign.
- Always remove your aligners when eating or drinking (anything but water).
- Brush your Invisalign regularly to remove built-up plaque or debris.
- Be sure to use water (not toothpaste) when brushing your aligners.
- Remove your Invisalign. Brush and floss as you normally would.
- To keep your Invisalign as clear as possible use a non-abrasive such as dishwashing liquid (and cold water) or vinegar and water.
- Never clean with boiling or even very hot water as this can cause the aligners to melt.
To learn more about the orthodontic treatment we offer, visit our orthodontist at one of our clinics by calling 02 9221 1611.