Patient Education
ORTHODONTIC HYGIENE
Great smiles start
with great habits
- Good hygiene is essential during treatment. Learn how to
- Keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces
- Use fluoride and rinse effectively
- Avoid common mistakes like brushing too hard or skipping between brackets
- We’ll monitor Protect your enamel from staining or decay
- We also share our favorite tools and techniques to make cleaning easier
BRUSHING & FLOSSING WITH BRACES
Brighter smiles little
take extra care
How to angle brush for cleaning
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums and use small circular motions. Brush around each bracket to remove plaque effectively
Best way to floss with braces
Use floss threaders to guide floss between teeth and under the wire. For quicker, easier cleaning, a water flosser can effectively flush out food particles and plaque
How often to brush and floss teeth
Brush 2–3 times a day — after meals and before bed — and floss at least once daily to keep your gums and teeth healthy throughout treatment
Best products for braces care
We recommend a soft toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, antibacterial mouth rinse, orthodontic wax, interdental brushes, and a water flosser for the best results
Know what is urgent
and what is not
Accidents happen but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this short guide, you’ll learn how to handle common orthodontic issues at home and when to call us
Loose brackets or broken wires
If a bracket becomes loose or a wire snaps, don’t panic. Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges and call our office to schedule a repair
Mouth sores or discomfort
Some tenderness is normal after adjustments or new appliances. Rinsing with warm salt water and using orthodontic wax can ease discomfort
Lost aligners or appliances
If you’ve misplaced your aligners, retainer, or another appliance, call us as soon as possible. We’ll guide you on the next steps
Poking wires or irritation
Sometimes wires shift and poke the inside of your cheeks or lips. Try using a clean pencil eraser to gently push the wire flat or cover it with wax
When in doubt, reach out. We’re here to help and will walk you through what to do whether it’s urgent or something we can address at your next visit
