Teeth straightening treatments use devices that gradually shift teeth into better alignment. These treatments involve either fixed appliances, like braces, or removable ones, such as clear aligners. Maintaining oral hygiene with these devices requires a modified routine to clean around brackets, wires, and aligners effectively. Here is more information about oral hygiene during teeth straightening treatment:
Brush Regularly
Brushing your teeth after every meal is recommended when you have orthodontic appliances, as they trap food particles easily. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean around the hardware gently. A systematic approach helps remove plaque and debris from all tooth surfaces, so you clean each area thoroughly without missing spots.
Plaque buildup happens quickly around brackets and along the gumline. You might need to replace your toothbrush more frequently because the brackets can wear down the bristles faster. This proactive cleaning helps maintain gum health, and it also prevents staining around the appliance attachments.
An electric toothbrush with an orthodontic head is a valuable tool for teeth straightening. People may find the vibrating head cleans more efficiently around the brackets, and the built-in timer assists in brushing for the full two minutes. Proper brushing is a foundational step in your oral care routine during treatment.
Floss Daily
Flossing with braces or aligners presents unique challenges, but it is a necessary part of your daily routine. Traditional flossing is not possible with the archwire of braces in the way, so you need special tools to navigate around it. For clear aligner users, remove the trays before flossing as you normally would.
A floss threader helps guide the floss under the archwire so you can clean between the teeth. Slide the floss through the threader, guide the threader under the wire, and then floss each side of the tooth. Do it below the gumline. This process must be repeated for every single tooth to be effective.
Use Interdental Tools
Interdental tools provide additional cleaning power for the hard-to-reach areas around braces. While you brush and floss daily, these tools offer targeted cleaning for specific problem spots. An interdental brush, which is small enough to fit between the wires and your teeth, helps dislodge food particles that regular brushing might miss. You can find these tools in most drugstores. Other available options include:
- Water flossers
- Orthodontic floss picks
- Soft picks
Wash Aligners Daily
If you wear clear aligners, you must clean them each day to keep them fresh and free of bacteria. You should rinse your aligners every time you remove them from your mouth, which prevents saliva and plaque from drying on the surface. For a deeper clean, use a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap to gently scrub the aligners inside and out.
Avoid using hot water to clean your aligners, for high temperatures can warp the plastic material. You should avoid colored or scented soaps because they might stain or residue on the trays. Proper aligner hygiene is just as necessary as cleaning your own teeth during the straightening process.
Schedule Teeth Straightening Today
Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine protects your teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment. Your dental provider will offer specific instructions based on the type of appliance you have. Adhering to this guidance facilitates the process of achieving a well-aligned smile. Contact a dentist to schedule a consultation and learn more about your teeth straightening options.
