How To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene with Braces or Invisalign?
This guide answers your biggest questions about brushing, flossing, cleaning your Invisalign, and choosing the right foods during orthodontic treatment.
What Makes Oral Hygiene Important During Orthodontic Treatment?
Braces and Invisalign both guide your teeth into healthier alignment, but they also require a little extra care to keep your teeth and gums strong. Here’s why hygiene matters so much:
With braces:
Brackets and wires create small spaces where food and plaque can get stuck. Without proper brushing and flossing, it becomes easier for cavities, staining, and gum irritation to develop.
With Invisalign:
Even though the trays are removable, they trap bacteria against your teeth if you don’t brush and clean properly. Wearing aligners over dirty teeth can lead to plaque buildup and bad breath.
Maintaining strong habits helps you avoid irritation, discoloration, delays in treatment, and unnecessary repairs.
How Do I Brush Properly with Braces?
Brushing with braces takes a bit more time, but it becomes second nature. Here’s the best way to keep your teeth fresh and clean:
Step-by-Step Brushing Technique
- Start by brushing above the brackets.
- Brush below the brackets next.
- Angle your toothbrush to reach around wires and edges.
- Gently brush the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
- Finish with a final pass to make sure no food particles are left behind.
How Often Should I Brush?
Dr. Caesar and Dr. Norris recommend brushing after every meal and snack whenever possible. If you cannot brush immediately, rinse your mouth with water until you can.
Do I Need a Special Toothbrush?
While a regular soft-bristled toothbrush works well, an electric toothbrush can make cleaning easier and more thorough. Interdental brushes are also great for getting between the wires.
How Do I Floss with Braces?
Flossing is still essential. It removes plaque from areas your brush cannot reach.
What Tools Make Flossing Easier?
- Floss threaders: Help guide floss under the wires.
- Pre-threaded flossers: Designed specifically for braces.
- Water flossers: Use a gentle stream of water to flush out food and plaque.
How Often Should I Floss?
Floss at least once per day. A quick floss takes only a few minutes and dramatically reduces your risk of gum irritation.
How Do I Keep My Teeth Clean with Invisalign?
If you use Invisalign, your cleaning routine is slightly different but very simple.
How Should I Clean My Aligners?
- Rinse your aligners each time you remove them.
- Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear soap.
- Avoid using toothpaste, which can scratch the material.
- Rinse thoroughly before putting them back in.
How Often Should I Brush with Invisalign?
If possible, always brush after eating and before putting aligners back in. This prevents trapping food against your teeth.
What Foods Should I Avoid with Braces?
Food choices play a huge role in keeping your teeth and braces clean and protected.
Foods to Avoid
These foods can damage your brackets or get stuck easily:
- Hard candies
- Gum
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Ice
- Chips that crunch into sharp pieces
- Sticky foods like caramel or taffy
Foods That Are Braces-Friendly
These are easier on your brackets:
- Pasta
- Rice
- Soft fruits
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Smoothies
- Cooked vegetables
Choosing the right foods helps reduce damage and keeps your treatment moving smoothly.
What Can I Eat with Invisalign?
Invisalign offers more flexibility because you remove the trays before eating. However, the same oral hygiene rules apply.
Key Tips for Eating with Invisalign
- Always take aligners out before eating.
- Avoid drinking beverages other than water with aligners in.
- Brush after every meal to prevent staining and bacteria buildup.
These habits help keep aligners clear and odor-free.
Oral Hygiene Tips: Braces vs Invisalign
Here’s a quick comparison to help you remember the routines:
Hygiene Task | Braces | Invisalign |
Brushing | After each meal | After each meal |
Flossing | Daily with tools | Daily |
Cleaning device | None | Rinse and brush aligners |
Eating restrictions | Many foods to avoid | No food restrictions, trays removed |
Rinsing | Helps remove stuck food | Prevents odor buildup |
Keeping Your Smile Healthy from Start to Finish
At Stone Oak Orthodontics, your oral health is just as important as your final smile results. Dr. Ray Caesar and Dr. Tito Norris take time to help every patient learn simple, effective hygiene habits that fit into everyday life.
Whether you’re wearing braces or Invisalign, you never have to figure things out alone. Our team is here to help, guide, and support you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to start orthodontic treatment or need help improving your hygiene routine, schedule a consultation today and let us help you build a smile that stays healthy for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is dental care extra important during orthodontic treatment?
Braces and Invisalign can trap food and bacteria, which increases your risk of plaque buildup, staining, and gum irritation. Consistent brushing and cleaning keep your teeth healthy and your treatment on schedule.
What’s the best way to brush with braces?
Angle your toothbrush around the brackets and wires, brushing above, below, and all sides of each tooth. Clean after every meal to prevent food and plaque from settling.
Do I need special tools to brush or floss with braces?
A soft or electric toothbrush works well. For flossing, floss threaders, pre-threaded flossers, or a water flosser can make the process easier and faster.
How should I take care of my teeth while using Invisalign?
Brush your teeth before putting aligners back in, and rinse or clean the trays each time you remove them to avoid trapping bacteria.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Rinse them often, gently brush with a soft toothbrush and clear soap, and avoid toothpaste to prevent scratching.