Good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment means brushing after every meal, flossing daily, and avoiding foods that can damage your appliances. These habits protect your teeth and gums while your smile is being corrected, and they make a real difference in the final result. Whether you are wearing traditional braces or clear aligners, a consistent routine keeps your teeth healthy from the first appointment to the last.
At Lazzara Orthodontics, we know the commitment it takes to stay on top of oral hygiene while in treatment. That is why our team takes time with every patient to explain exactly what to do, what to avoid, and how to make the process as easy as possible. Dr. John Lazzara and Dr. Amy Poblenz, both Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics and one of the only dual-board-certified orthodontic teams in northeast Florida, guide patients through every step of care.
How to Brush and Floss With Braces or Aligners
Cleaning your teeth during orthodontic treatment takes a little more effort than your regular routine, but the right technique makes it manageable.
Brushing With Braces
Brushing with braces requires attention to the areas around each bracket and wire. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, angle the bristles toward the gum line and brush in small circular motions. Spend at least two minutes covering every tooth surface, including above and below the wire. Electric toothbrushes can be helpful here, as they remove more plaque with less effort. Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing adds an extra layer of protection against cavities.
Flossing Around Brackets and Wires
Flossing with braces is one of the trickier parts of the routine, but it should not be skipped. A floss threader or orthodontic floss picks make it easier to get between teeth and under the archwire. Water flossers are another helpful option, using a pressurized stream of water to dislodge food and bacteria from hard-to-reach spots. Threading floss under the wire once a day keeps the gum line healthy and reduces the risk of inflammation throughout treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, brushing after every meal and maintaining consistent flossing habits are essential for preventing cavities and other problems while appliances are in place.
Foods to Avoid During Treatment
Your diet plays a bigger role in orthodontic care than most people expect. Certain foods can bend wires, pop off brackets, or get stuck in places that are nearly impossible to clean. This is true for both braces and clear aligner wearers, though the specifics vary.
For patients in braces, the following foods should be avoided:
- Hard foods: such as raw carrots, nuts, hard candies, and ice, which can break brackets or wires
- Sticky foods: such as caramel, gummy candy, and taffy, which cling to brackets and are difficult to clean
- Crunchy snacks: such as popcorn and chips, which can lodge beneath the wire and cause irritation
Cutting fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces and opting for softer alternatives keeps your appliances intact between appointments. Patients wearing Invisalign or 3M Clarity aligners should remove their trays before eating or drinking anything other than water, and aligners should be worn 18 to 20 hours per day to stay on schedule.
Caring for Your Retainers and Appliances
Oral hygiene does not end when active treatment does. Retainers and other orthodontic appliances require the same level of attention as braces or aligners. Removable retainers should be rinsed with cool water every time they are taken out and cleaned with a soft toothbrush and mild soap daily. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the material.
Fixed retainers, which are bonded to the back of the teeth, require flossing with a threader just as you would with braces. Buildup around a fixed retainer can lead to tartar and gum issues over time, so diligence pays off. Staying consistent with retainer care helps maintain the results of your treatment and keeps your smile in great shape long after your last visit.
Start Your Treatment the Right Way at Lazzara Orthodontics
At Lazzara Orthodontics, patient education is part of every appointment. Dr. Lazzara and Dr. Amy Poblenz both completed a 3-year orthodontic residency program after dental school and hold board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics, making our practice one of the very few in northeast Florida with two board-certified doctors. From your first consultation to your final retainer check, our team is here to ensure your teeth stay healthy throughout the entire process.
We also understand that the financial side of treatment matters. We work with most major insurance providers and process benefits on behalf of all PPO providers to help you get the most out of your plan. If you are ready to take the next step toward a healthier smile, contact our team to schedule your consultation today.
