Caring for Your Smile: Maintenance and Hygiene with Braces and Invisalign

Maintaining good oral hygiene with braces or Invisalign is essential for a healthy, radiant smile and effective treatment results. Both orthodontic options have unique care requirements to ensure that teeth remain clean, free from plaque, and protected against potential issues like decay or gum disease. In this guide, we’ll walk through the daily care routines and hygiene tips tailored for braces and Invisalign, exploring the differences in brushing, flossing, and eating habits to help you make the most of your treatment. 

The Basics of Orthodontic Hygiene 

During treatment with braces or Invisalign, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. Food particles are more likely to be trapped, increasing the chances of having plaque and, therefore, decay and gum problems. Oral hygiene and diet also play a great part in maintaining a healthy mouth during treatment. 

Brushing Techniques for Braces and Invisalign 

Braces 

Braces are made of metal brackets and wires, so brushing becomes a bit complicated. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of an ideal brushing routine for braces: 

• Use a Soft-Bristled or Electric Toothbrush: Select a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush for proper cleaning without harming the gums. 

• Brush after every meal: As braces have a tendency to trap food, it is important to brush after each meal so as to reduce the chances of food particles accumulating around brackets and wires. 
• Angle the Brush Properly: Place the toothbrush against the teeth at an angle of 45 degrees and Brush in the area of the brackets both above and below them. This assists in covering areas that would otherwise not be accessed. 
• Brush for at Least Two Minutes: Take time when brushing to cover the whole of the teeth to make sure all parts are cleaned. 
• Use an Orthodontic Toothbrush or Proxy Brush: Some types of toothbrushes, such as orthodontic toothbrushes that have a ‘V’ like shape at the bristles, can get around brackets. Proxy brushes (small, cone-shaped brushes) are also useful for inter bracket and wire cleaning. 
• Don’t Forget the Tongue and Cheeks: The bacteria can also accumulate on the tongue and cheeks; therefore, make sure that you brush these parts of your mouth. 

Invisalign 

Invisalign aligners are removable, so brushing is easier, but it requires its own routine: 

• Brush Twice a Day (Or More): It is not necessary to brush after every meal, but it is advisable to clean your teeth and the aligners before wearing them. 
• Clean Your Aligners Separately: Clean your aligners by rinsing them and brushing them with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented hand soap. Do not use toothpaste because it is abrasive and it causes clouding. 
• Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste helps to make the enamel stronger, which is very important during orthodontic treatment. 
• Pay Extra Attention Before Bed: It is essential to brush your teeth and the aligners before going to bed to avoid the formation of bacteria on the teeth and aligners. 

Flossing Techniques for Braces and Invisalign 

Braces 

It is equally important to floss with braces; however, it can be a little challenging to maneuver the floss around the braces and between the teeth and the gums. 

• Use Orthodontic Floss or Floss Threaders: Floss that is thicker or floss threader that can be used to thread the floss beneath the wires can be used to floss around the brackets and wires. 
• Consider a Water Flosser: A water flosser may be useful in reaching around braces since it employs water to rinse and dislodge food particles and bacteria. 
• Floss Daily: Flossing should be done at least once a day and should be done thoroughly, moving it between the teeth and under the gum line. 

Invisalign 

Flossing is easier with Invisalign because there are no brackets or wires to hamper your ability to do so. 

• Floss Once a Day: Daily flossing reduces the formation of plaque between the teeth and, therefore, guarantees that no particle is trapped when wearing the aligners. 
• Choose the Right Floss: Any type of floss will do, but waxed floss is easier on the gums and may be more effective for those with sensitive gums. 
• Use Floss Picks or Interdental Brushes if Needed: If normal flossing is difficult, floss picks or small interdental brushes are very helpful in the process. 

Eating Habits: What’s Safe for Braces and Invisalign? 

Braces 

• Avoid Hard and Crunchy Foods: Popcorn, nuts, and raw carrots are some of the foods that are destructive to braces and can prolong the time required to complete treatment. 
• Stay Clear of Sticky Foods: Sweets such as caramel, chewing gum, and taffy can be trapped between the braces and be hard to remove when brushing, leading to high risks of decay. 
• Cut Food into Smaller Pieces: Avoiding hard foods and chewing on them with braces is possible by preparing foods such as apples or sandwiches into bite sizes. 
• Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: This is because the sugars in the foods and drinks can easily stick around the brackets and cause white spots or even decay. 

Invisalign 

Invisalign does not have many restrictions on what one can eat; however, some behaviors are healthier for the mouth. 

• Remove Aligners When Eating: It is recommended that you wear your aligners only when you are eating or drinking something other than water to prevent staining and damage. 
• Rinse Aligners before Putting Them Back In: Before placing the aligners back in your mouth, clean them after meals to get rid of any residue. 
• Limit Sugary or Acidic Foods: Not as restrictive as braces, avoiding foods that are high in sugar and acids will help to safeguard your teeth from further erosion if you are wearing aligners for extensive hours. 

Visiting Your Orthodontist

• Adjustments and Progress Monitoring: Orthodontic treatment for braces involves your orthodontist re-tightening or adjusting the wires to correct the positioning of your teeth. Should you be on Invisalign, they shall evaluate your progress and give you the next set of aligners to keep your treatment going. Failure to attend your appointments is counterproductive and may slow your treatment period. 
• Early Detection of Problems: This is because, during the checkup, your orthodontist can identify problems such as broken brackets, loose wires, or even aligners that do not fit well. Detecting these issues early eliminates pain and ensures your treatment works as planned. 
• Professional Cleaning and Maintenance Tips: Your orthodontist will advise you on how to clean your mouth more effectively and what tools are best for the job. This is especially useful when cleaning around braces or ensuring your Invisalign aligners are clean and fresh. 
• Customized Guidance: Each smile is different, and the visits allow for professional recommendations at least once an interval. You can also ask questions regarding discomfort, diet restrictions, or any issues that you may have regarding your treatment. 
• Staying on Schedule: It enables you to adhere to the planned time of your treatment when you pay consistent visits. Scheduling issues can slow the process, and you wear braces or aligners longer than required. 

Contact your Pinole dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD at Abar Orthodontics, to learn more about caring for your smile: Maintenance and Hygiene with Braces and Invisalign.

Resource:

Living with Clear Aligners 

*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly suggest that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.*