Brushing with Braces

Our office recommends that all orthodontic patients brush their teeth a minimum of  four times a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. As an alternative, patinets can use a powered toothbrush such as a Sonicare, which research studies have shown to be significantly more effective in plaque removal!

Brush the outside and inside surfaces of your teeth using small, gentle, circular motions while positioning the head of the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Brush your teeth’s chewing surfaces and the inside surface of your front teeth using short, gentle, back-and-forth motions.

Pay close attention to the areas around your brackets or other appliances.

brushing with braces

Flossing with Braces

Flossing after every meal will help keep your teeth and braces clean, which will also help keep your treatment time on track. To floss with braces, use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to thread the floss behind each wire.

Wrap the ends of the floss around your pointer fingers of both hands, leaving a few inches of taut floss between them. Gently slide the floss between each set of teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Floss the sides of each tooth beneath the gum line to remove plaque and food particles.

Repeat this process until you’ve flossed all your teeth. If you find your floss is not removing all the food particles between your teeth and around your braces, ask us about a water flosser!

flossing with braces

Waterpik

Waterpik devices have been shown to be highly effective for improving dental health, and they are like a mini powerwasher for your teeth and gums. It's like flossing with water! we recommed using a Water Pik or similar device once or twice a day as a supplement to brushing.