oral hygiene guide

Your complete guide to maintaining excellent oral health during orthodontic treatment

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why oral hygiene matters during orthodontic treatment

Keeping your teeth clean throughout orthodontic treatment is key to getting the best outcome. Good oral care helps avoid decay, protects your gums, and keeps your new smile healthy for years to come.

Prevent Cavities

Proper cleaning removes plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay during treatment.

Healthy Gums

Good hygiene prevents gum inflammation and disease that can affect treatment progress.

Better Results

Clean teeth and healthy gums ensure optimal movement and shorter treatment times.

Essential Oral Hygiene Tools

Using the proper tools is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout orthodontic treatment.

Soft-bristled tootbrush
Essential for gentle yet effective cleaning around brackets and wires
Fluoride toothpaste
Helps prevent cavities and strengthens enamel during treatment
Interdental brush
Perfect for cleaning between brackets and under wires
Water flosser
Removes plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas
Antimicrobial mouthwash
Reduces bacteria and freshens breath throughout treatment
Orthodontic wax
Provides relief from bracket irritation and protects soft tissues

cleaning your braces

Follow these step-by-step instructions to keep your braces and teeth sparkling clean.

Clean between brackets
Use an interdental brush to clean between brackets and wires

Rinse before brushing
Rinse with water to remove loose food particles and debris

Brush at 45-degree angle
Angle your toothbrush to clean above, below, and around each bracket

Use circular motions
Gently brush in small circular motions for 2-3 minutes

Floss with threader
Use a floss threader to get under the wire and between teeth

Rinse with mouthwash
Finish with an antimicrobial mouthwash for complete protection

caring for Your Clear Aligners & Invisalign

Keep your aligners clean and your teeth healthy with these simple steps.

Remove aligners
Always remove aligners before eating, drinking, or cleaning
Brush teeth normally
Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would
Clean aligners & invisalign
Rinse aligners with lukewarm water and brush gently
Use cleaning crystals
Soak aligners in cleaning solution or crystals as recommended
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse aligners thoroughly before putting them back in
Reinsert aligners
Make sure aligners are properly seated on all teeth

Common Issues & Solutions

Don’t worry if you encounter these common issues. Here’s how to address them quickly and effectively.

Food stuck in braces
Use an interdental brush or water flosser to gently remove debris. Never use sharp objects.

White spots on teeth
These are early signs of decay. Increase fluoride use and improve cleaning technique.

Swollen or bleeding gums
Sign of gingivitis. Improve brushing technique and use antimicrobial mouthwash.

Bad breath
Usually caused by poor cleaning. Increase brushing frequency and use tongue scraper.

pro tips for success

Expert advice from our orthodontists to help you maintain optimal oral health.

Brush after every meal and snack to prevent plaque buildup
Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque
Schedule regular cleanings every 3-4 months during treatment
Use a mirror to check that you’ve cleaned all areas thoroughly

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common issues & solutions

Protecting your braces and teeth means avoiding foods that can cause damage or get stuck.

Hard Foods

Ice cubes and frozen treats
Hard candies and lollipops
Nuts and hard pretzels
Popcorn kernels
Hard taco shells

Sticky Foods

Caramel and taffy

Gummy bears and worms
Chewing gum
Sticky rice dishes
Dried fruits

Need Help with Your Oral Hygiene?

Our team is here to help you maintain excellent oral health throughout your treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

What our patients say

“Amazing staff and care, always taking the best care. Dr Marston is always so caring and encouraging, as well as super supportive to help rework and restrategize the way that he assists your needs.”

John K

“Dr. Marston is absolutely professional, and all the staff are very kind. My case was not easy I had to pause and redo it because of my TMJ but what I appreciate most about Dr. Marston is his patience and dedication throughout the process. My daughter also loves visiting the clinic because of the welcoming, kid-friendly environment.”

MCogan

“Just finished my Invisalign treatment. Awesome experience from beginning to end. I felt very comfortable with every step of the process from the first consultation to receiving my retainers. Every question no matter how dumb it sounded was answered professionally. They even worked with me when I moved overseas to continue my treatment. Thanks a ton Dr. Marston and team! I appreciate all of you.”

Mark S

“The entire staff is not only incredibly friendly but also consistently professional. They always go above and beyond to accommodate our scheduling needs, which we deeply appreciate. Dr. Marston is both knowledgeable and compassionate. He takes the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring that both the patient and their family fully understand the treatment plan and what to expect. We couldn’t ask for a better orthodontic experience—and we highly recommend Marston Orthodontics to anyone in need of care!”

“Dr. Marston is amazing. He does a great job of explaining and setting expectations. He is also very gentle with kids. I used him for all three of my daughters. Highly recommend.”

Tam B