Braces 101 › Brushing and flossing with braces
Brushing and flossing with braces
Braces trap food. These habits keep teeth and gums healthy until the big reveal.
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The routine that works
- Brush after every meal, angling the bristles above and below each bracket. Two minutes, gentle circles.
- Floss nightly using floss threaders or orthodontic flossers to get under the wire. Water flossers are a worthy assist, not a replacement.
- Interdental brushes (the little Christmas trees) clear food from around brackets fast: keep one in the backpack.
- Keep your dental cleanings with your regular dentist throughout treatment.
The Oral B Ortho Essentials program
We partner with Oral B and use the Ortho Essentials hygiene program. Younger patients receive a new Oral B 5000 electric toothbrush the day braces are placed, because the best hygiene routine is one you actually enjoy.
White-spot stains around brackets are permanent and 100% preventable. We coach hygiene at every adjustment visit, and we will tell you honestly if plaque is winning.
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day should I brush with braces?
After every meal, so usually three times, plus nightly flossing. It sounds like a lot; it becomes automatic within weeks.
Can I use a water flosser instead of floss?
Use it as a supplement. A water flosser rinses debris well but does not scrape plaque off tooth surfaces the way floss does.
Ready to love your smile?
Your first visit is 100% free: exam, consultation and digital X-ray. Braces or Invisalign payment plans start at $149 per month.