Caring for your braces

Toothbrush

Choose a soft-bristle toothbrush to be gentle on your teeth and gums. When brushing, take your time and clean all sides of your teeth and around your braces. Including above and below your brackets. An electric toothbrush (like a Sonicare) can be a great option to help you get a thorough clean.

ToothPaste

We’re happy to give you individualized recommendations on toothpaste based on your needs, just give us a call or text if you’re uncertain. When in doubt a good rule of thumb is to look for something with fluoride or hydroxy appetite.

Brushing Frequency: Keep up your great habits, brushing every morning and night is your minimum during orthodontic treatment. Whenever possible, brushing after meals and snacks is even better to keep everything extra clean & healthy.

Flossing

Aim to floss at least once a day. With braces, traditional flossing can be tricky, so we recommend floss threaders, super floss, or floss picks made specifically for braces. Find what works best for you and stick with it, you’ve got this!

Water Flossers

These can be a helpful addition to your routine, but they don’t replace brushing and flossing. Instead, think of them as a bonus tool for extra cleanliness.

PRO TIP: Keep a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss with you so you can easily brush on the go. We’ll give you a handy travel bag with all the essentials to make it easy.

Things to watch out for:

  • Your braces should look clean and shiny.
  • Your gums should appear pink (not red).
  • Your gums should look healthy in size and shape (not swollen or growing around your brackets).

If you notice any of these changes, it’s usually a sign to step up or adjust your routine. Try brushing and flossing more frequently or spending a little extra time in those areas. If things don’t improve, give us a call, we’re happy to help you figure out what’s going on and support you.