Oral Hygiene during Orthodontic treatment

Braces and clear aligners (Invisalign) are both fantastic treatments to help straighten and improve the alignment of your teeth, as well as improve functionality.

Both these types of Orthodontics require extra maintenance when it comes to keeping them clean.
It is important to keep your teeth and gums free of food and plaque - which can cause cavities and staining if not removed.

These are the main steps when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene in Orthodontic treatment:

Brushing

Brushing your teeth is at the top of the list! 

The correct brushing technique will remove food particles and bacteria that can lead to tooth and gum problems.

Take your time with this step - we say allow 3 minutes or the duration of your favourite song - to allow maximum time to get all surfaces of your teeth. Aim to brush at least 3 times a day after every meal, or at least morning and night time after eating.

Interdental brushes

As a toothbrush can only reach 60% of the tooth surface, an interdental brush can the rest.

An interdental brush is like a mini toothbrush - a small plastic handle with a thin wire that has little bristles attached. They also have a cap which slides over the bristles to keep it clean. They come in a range of different shapes and sizes, and are usually colour coded so you can tell the difference between them. Another name for them are interproximal brushes. 

For the best result, it is important to choose the right sized brush for you. We can help you find the right size or we recommend you start from the smaller size and work your way up.

Use your interdental brush once a day after brushing your teeth and in front of the mirror. Insert the bristled end in between the teeth gently and move the brush back and forth. Do not force the brush between the space - it should glide in smoothly. You may need to change sizes for different teeth. Discard the brush once the bristles are becoming bent or worn out.