Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment in long-term oral health, but braces introduce new challenges for daily hygiene. The complex structure of brackets and wires traps food particles and plaque, accelerating bacterial growth and leading to gingivitis. Rigorous cleaning is mandatory to prevent decalcification, which appears as permanent white spots on the enamel after the braces are removed.
Essential Cleaning Tools
A dedicated set of tools is necessary to manage the intricate surfaces created by orthodontic appliances. The foundation of your routine should be a soft-bristle toothbrush, or an electric toothbrush equipped with an orthodontic brush head, designed to clean around the brackets. Interdental brushes, also known as proxabrushes, are indispensable for cleaning the tight spaces underneath the archwire and between the brackets. For traditional flossing, specialized products like Superfloss or floss threaders are required to guide the floss under the wire. A water flosser, or oral irrigator, uses a pressurized stream of water to dislodge debris.
Detailed Brushing Procedures
Brushing with braces demands a systematic approach to ensure all tooth and appliance surfaces are reached effectively. Begin by rinsing your mouth with water to loosen any food debris lodged in the brackets or wires, then apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Divide the mouth into quadrants, focusing first on the chewing surfaces and the inner sides of the teeth.
Cleaning Around Brackets
The front surfaces, where the brackets are attached, require two distinct angles for proper cleaning. First, angle the bristles downward toward the gum line to clean the area above the brackets and the gum tissue. Next, angle the bristles upward toward the biting surface to clean the area below the brackets and the wire. Use small, circular, gentle motions to avoid damaging the brackets or irritating the gums.
Mastering Flossing Techniques
Flossing with braces is often neglected, yet it is the only way to physically remove plaque from between the teeth and beneath the gumline. Since the archwire blocks the path, standard flossing is impossible, necessitating the use of specialized tools.
If using a floss threader, loop regular dental floss through the small plastic device. Carefully thread the stiff, pointed end underneath the main archwire. Once the floss is beneath the wire, remove the threader and gently slide the floss down between the two teeth.
With the floss in place, wrap it into a “C” shape against one side of the tooth and slide it up and down to clean the surface, extending slightly below the gumline. Repeat this action on the adjacent tooth surface before pulling the floss out from under the wire and moving to the next gap. Specialized Superfloss simplifies this process by featuring a stiff threader section, a spongy middle section for cleaning around brackets, and a regular floss end.
A water flosser offers an effective alternative or supplement to manual flossing, particularly for removing food particles. The device uses a pulsating stream of water to flush out debris and plaque from around the brackets and under the wire. Direct the stream at a 90-degree angle to the tooth surface, tracing the gumline and pausing briefly between each tooth.
Maintaining Brace Integrity and Oral Health
Protecting the hardware and the enamel requires careful attention to diet and general care. Foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky pose a significant threat, as they can loosen bands, bend archwires, or break the bond of a bracket. This includes items like popcorn, ice, nuts, hard candies, and sticky caramels.
If a full brushing is not possible immediately after a meal, a thorough rinse with water helps flush away food particles. Using a fluoride mouthwash, particularly one recommended by your orthodontist, provides additional protection against demineralization and white spot lesions.
Should a wire become loose or a bracket detach, contact your orthodontist promptly for repair, as damaged hardware can slow treatment progress. Maintaining a clean environment around the braces reduces the risk of inflammation and ensures the appliance can move the teeth efficiently. Consistent, diligent care protects both your investment and the health of your future smile.