Learn how to take care of your braces or Invisalign at home
Orthodontic treatment is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take for your oral health and confidence. Whether you’re wearing braces or Invisalign, maintaining excellent home care habits is the key to achieving your dream smile. While your orthodontist will handle adjustments and monitor your progress, much of the success of your treatment depends on how you care for your teeth and appliances every day.
This detailed guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Braces
Cleaning with braces requires a little more patience and attention to detail, but it’s worth the effort. Here’s a daily step-by-step guide to help you keep your smile spotless:
- Rinse your mouth: Start by rinsing thoroughly with water to remove any loose food particles caught between brackets and wires.
- Brush carefully: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline, gently brushing each tooth individually. Pay extra attention to the area around brackets and under wires, these are prime spots for plaque buildup.
- Use an interdental brush: Also known as a proxy brush, this small tool fits perfectly between wires and brackets, reaching where your toothbrush can’t. It’s especially helpful after meals.
- Floss daily: Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s essential. Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to reach between teeth and under wires. Flossing removes plaque and food debris that brushing alone misses.
- Finish with mouthwash: Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. A fluoride rinse can also help strengthen enamel.
- Inspect your braces: Once a week, check your braces for any loose brackets, bent wires, or missing rubber bands. If something feels off, call your orthodontist’s office for guidance.
Brushing after every meal is ideal, but if you’re on the go, rinse your mouth with water until you can brush later.
Invisalign
For those using Invisalign, keeping your aligners and teeth clean is essential for both hygiene and aesthetics. Dirty aligners can stain easily and trap bacteria against your enamel. Follow this simple routine:
- Remove before eating or drinking: Only water should be consumed while wearing aligners. Remove them before eating or drinking anything else to prevent discoloration or damage.
- Brush and floss your teeth after meals: Before reinserting your aligners, brush and floss thoroughly to ensure no food particles are trapped inside.
- Clean your aligners gently: Use a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap. Avoid toothpaste, which can scratch and cloud the plastic.
- Rinse with lukewarm water: Hot water can warp the aligners, so always rinse with lukewarm or cool water.
- Store safely: When not in use, keep aligners in their protective case to avoid loss or contamination.
Taking Care of Your Braces Elastics
If your orthodontist has prescribed rubber bands (elastics), they play a crucial role in moving your teeth and jaws into the correct position. Consistency is everything.
- Always wear your elastics as instructed. Only remove them when brushing, flossing, or eating.
- Change them daily. Old elastics lose elasticity and effectiveness over time.
- Carry extras. Keep a few in your backpack, purse, or car so you can replace them immediately if one breaks.
- Contact your orthodontist for replacements. If you run out, your office can mail new ones or provide them during your next visit.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Your diet can make or break your orthodontic treatment – literally! Certain foods can damage your braces, while others make cleaning more difficult. Here’s what to avoid:
- Sticky foods: Caramel, chewing gum, taffy, and gummy candies can cling to brackets and pull wires loose.
- Hard foods: Popcorn kernels, nuts, hard candies, and ice can snap wires or break brackets.
- Crunchy foods: Raw fruits and vegetables like apples or carrots are healthy but should be cut into bite-sized pieces before eating.
- Sugary foods and drinks: Limit soda, sports drinks, and sweets to prevent cavities and enamel damage.
With Invisalign, food restrictions are minimal since aligners are removed for meals, but you should still maintain a balanced, tooth-friendly diet to protect your enamel.
Dealing with Discomfort
Orthodontic treatment often comes with mild soreness, especially after adjustments or when switching to a new aligner. Here’s how to ease discomfort:
Braces
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen can reduce tenderness.
- Orthodontic wax: Apply wax to brackets or wires that are irritating your cheeks or lips.
- Saltwater rinse: Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse for 30 seconds to soothe soreness.
Invisalign
- Switch aligners at night: Changing aligners before bed allows you to sleep through the initial tightness.
- Cold compress: Apply a cold compress outside your mouth to relieve pain or swelling.
Mild discomfort is normal and typically subsides within a few days. Persistent pain should always be reported to your orthodontist.
Regular Check-ups
Your orthodontist will schedule regular visits to monitor progress, make adjustments, and ensure everything is on track. These visits are essential for achieving timely and optimal results.
Between visits, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontic team if you notice a problem or have concerns. It’s always better to address small issues early rather than wait until your next appointment.
Conclusion
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in both your oral health and your self-confidence. By following this home care guide, you’ll protect that investment, ensuring your treatment is as efficient and effective as possible.
Good home care, combined with professional guidance and regular check-ups, is the secret to a smooth orthodontic experience and a stunning result.
Remember, your orthodontic team is here to help every step of the way. If you ever have questions, discomfort, or need replacement supplies, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Here’s to your healthiest, happiest smile!
