Overview
Clean
Around the Wires
Braces create a lot of new nooks and crannies where food and plaque can hide. Consistent, thorough brushing keeps your teeth healthy — and prevents staining around the brackets once the braces come off.
Here's how to do it well.
Rinse First
Start with a quick water rinse to loosen debris from around the brackets and wires. It makes the rest of the process easier.
Brush at an Angle
Angle a soft-bristled toothbrush down toward the tops of the brackets, then up toward the bottoms, gently working the bristles into the space between the wire and the tooth. Use small, careful strokes.
Cover Every Surface
Brush the outer surfaces, then the inner surfaces, then the chewing surfaces of every tooth. Spend a full two minutes so you don't shortchange any area.
Use an Interdental Brush
A small interdental brush (sometimes called a "proxy brush") fits between the wire and the tooth to reach spots a regular brush can't. Use one after meals when possible.
Don't Skip Flossing
Threading floss under the wire or using a floss threader / water flosser makes a huge difference. Daily flossing prevents cavities and gum problems that braces alone can create.
Rinse With Fluoride
A fluoride rinse strengthens enamel and helps prevent white spots forming around brackets — one of the most common issues after braces come off.
Questions about brushing routines? Call (810) 628-3914 — our hygienists love to help.