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Cleaning your braces

Cleaning your braces

How to keep your teeth and braces clean during orthodontic treatment

Short answer: Keeping your braces clean is one of the most important parts of successful orthodontic treatment. Good brushing, cleaning between your teeth and attending regular hygiene appointments can help keep your teeth and gums healthy while your smile is being transformed.

Many adults worry that braces will make brushing difficult.

The truth is, it does take a little more care.

But with the right routine, keeping your teeth and braces clean soon becomes second nature.

And the effort is worth it.

Healthy teeth and gums provide the best foundation for a beautiful new smile.

Why cleaning matters

Braces create extra places where plaque and food can collect.

If they’re not cleaned thoroughly, this can increase the risk of:

  • Tooth decay.
  • Gum inflammation.
  • Staining around brackets.
  • Bad breath.

Keeping your braces clean isn’t just about protecting the appliance.

It’s about protecting your teeth throughout treatment.

Brushing with fixed braces

If you have fixed braces, you’ll need to take a little more time when brushing.

Aim to clean:

  • Above the brackets.
  • Around each bracket.
  • Below the brackets.
  • Along the gum line.
  • Every tooth surface.

A soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush can both be effective when used carefully.

We’ll show you the best technique for your smile before treatment begins.

Cleaning between your teeth

Your toothbrush can’t always reach every area.

Cleaning between your teeth helps remove plaque from places brushing alone may miss.

Depending on your braces, we may recommend:

  • Interdental brushes.
  • Floss designed for braces.
  • Other cleaning aids that suit your individual needs.

We’ll explain what works best for you.

Cleaning clear aligners

If you’re wearing clear aligners, keeping the aligners clean is just as important as cleaning your teeth.

You should:

  • Rinse them after removing them.
  • Clean them regularly using the method we’ve recommended.
  • Store them safely whenever they’re not in your mouth.

Avoid using very hot water, as this can damage the aligners.

Don’t forget your gums

Healthy gums are an essential part of orthodontic treatment.

If your gums become swollen or bleed when brushing, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should brush less.

In many cases, it means they need more thorough cleaning.

If you’re concerned about bleeding gums, let us know so we can help.

The Evolve perspective

One of the biggest differences we see between patients who enjoy a smooth orthodontic journey and those who experience avoidable setbacks is their home care.

Orthodontic treatment is a partnership.

We’ll carefully guide your teeth into their new position.

You help protect that progress by looking after your smile every day.

Regular hygiene appointments

Brushing at home is important, but professional hygiene appointments remain an important part of maintaining your oral health during treatment.

These appointments help us:

  • Remove plaque and deposits.
  • Monitor your gum health.
  • Offer personalised advice.
  • Help keep your smile healthy throughout treatment.

Building a routine

Most patients quickly develop a routine that works for them.

Many find it helpful to:

  • Brush after meals where possible.
  • Keep a travel toothbrush with them.
  • Carry interdental brushes when out and about.
  • Check their teeth in the mirror before leaving the bathroom.

These small habits soon become part of everyday life.

Myth vs reality

Myth

Braces damage your teeth.

Reality

Braces don’t damage healthy teeth. Poor cleaning during treatment is what can lead to problems.

Myth

Brushing once a day is enough.

Reality

Thorough, regular cleaning is especially important while wearing braces.

Myth

Bleeding gums mean you should stop brushing.

Reality

Bleeding gums often indicate inflammation and should be assessed rather than ignored.

Questions patients often ask

Can I use an electric toothbrush?

Yes. Many patients find electric toothbrushes helpful during orthodontic treatment.

How long should brushing take?

It’s often worth allowing a little more time than usual to make sure every area is cleaned thoroughly.

Do I still need to see the hygienist?

Yes. Regular hygiene appointments remain an important part of maintaining your oral health throughout treatment.

What if food gets stuck in my braces?

This is completely normal.

Interdental brushes can often help remove trapped food quickly and easily.

Key takeaways

  • Good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment.
  • Braces create extra areas that need careful cleaning.
  • Cleaning between your teeth is just as important as brushing.
  • Healthy gums help support successful orthodontic treatment.
  • Small daily habits make a big difference over the course of treatment.

Related Knowledge Pages

Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces

Our comprehensive guide includes practical advice for every stage of orthodontic treatment, from caring for your braces to protecting your new smile once treatment is complete.

Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces

Explore our complete guide to adult braces

If you’re considering straightening your teeth, our complete guide to adult braces explains the different treatment options, costs, treatment times and what to expect before making a decision.

Read our complete guide to adult braces.

Looking after your smile every day

Orthodontic treatment is about more than moving teeth.

By keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment, you’ll be helping create the best possible foundation for your new smile.

Considering adult braces?

Keeping your teeth and braces clean is an important part of orthodontic treatment. Understanding how to care for your teeth can help you feel more prepared before starting.

At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we’ll explain the different teeth-straightening options, what treatment involves and how to look after your teeth throughout your journey.

⁠Explore adult braces at Evolve Dentistry

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We know that walking into a new dental practice can feel daunting, particularly if it’s been a while since your last appointment.

We’ve designed Evolve to feel calm, welcoming and a little different from what you might expect from a dental practice.

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Bleeding when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be receding are all things worth paying attention to.

The important thing is not to wait until something hurts. Gum disease can develop without causing pain, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene appointments matter.

In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the signs to look out for.

If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, mention it at your next appointment or get in touch with the team.

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There are a few possible reasons, from plaque build-up to changes in the surface of a tooth.

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Noticing small changes in your mouth is useful. You don’t need to diagnose them yourself, but do tell us if something feels different.

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