Cleaning your braces is not a detail, but an essential part of treatment
A orthodontic treatment doesn't just mean better aligned teeth, it also means more responsibility in your daily grooming routine. Braces creates additional areas where food debris, plaque and bacteria can accumulate, and without careful hygiene, cavities, gum inflammation or visible white spots after braces are removed can occur. This is why successful treatment depends not only on regular check-ups, but also on how you clean your teeth at home.
When orthodontic treatment is recommended
Orthodontic treatment is recommended when teeth are crowded, crooked, incorrectly spaced or when there are problems with bite and dento-maxillary alignment. Both children and adults can undergo orthodontic treatment, and the correct assessment is made following an orthodontic consultation, supported by clinical examination and imaging investigations.
Why braces require better oral hygiene
In the presence of brackets, arch brackets and other orthodontic components, brushing is no longer sufficient if done superficially. Braces can more easily retain food debris and can promote plaque build-up, which increases the risk of enamel demineralization, gum inflammation and unpleasant breath. This is why specialists recommend a more rigorous and frequent routine than without orthodontic treatment.
How to clean braces correctly
1. Brush at least twice a day, ideally after each meal
During orthodontic treatment, morning and evening brushing remains mandatory, but ideally you should also clean your teeth after main meals. This frequency helps to quickly remove debris that gets stuck around braces and reduces the time that sugar and plaque remain in contact with your teeth.
2. The brush must be correctly oriented around the brackets
For effective cleaning, brushing should be performed with controlled, gentle strokes over, under and around the brackets. SWISS ECODENT recommends positioning the toothbrush at approximately 45 degrees to the gum line so that the brush reaches under the arch, not just the visible tooth surface.
3. Interdental brushes are very useful
Interdental brushes help clean hard-to-reach spaces between the arch, brackets and teeth. They complement classic brushing and are frequently recommended by orthodontists precisely because they reach areas where the regular toothbrush does not clean enough.
4. Flossing remains important
Cleaning between your teeth should not be missed just because you wear braces. Flossing or other interdental cleaning devices help remove plaque and food debris between teeth, where toothbrush brushes can't reach effectively. With fixed braces, flossing may require an under arch insertion device, but it remains an essential step in preventing cavities and gingivitis.
5. Mouthwash and mouthwash can complete the routine
Mouthwashing can be a good aid for debris removal and daily comfort, but it is better seen as a complement, not a replacement for brushing and interdental cleaning. In addition, a fluoride mouthwash, used once a day at a time other than brushing, can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Which products are useful if you wear braces
An effective braces hygiene routine can include:
- manual or electric toothbrush;
- interdental brushes of the right size;
- dental floss or a device for placing floss under the archwire;
- oral douche;
- fluoride toothpaste;
- fluoride mouthwash, on doctor's advice.
What habits can compromise your treatment
Braces hygiene is not just about brushing but also about eating habits. Sugary and fizzy drinks, frequent snacking and sticky foods increase the risk of white spots, cavities and even damage to your braces. It is also important to continue regular visits to your dentist and orthodontist throughout your treatment.
If you wear aligners, hygiene is just as important
The basic rule for clear mouth guards remains the same: remove the aligners before eating and before any drink except water. Teeth should be cleaned before the mouth guards are put back in place, and the aligners themselves should be carefully sanitized as recommended by your doctor.
Common mistakes when sanitizing braces
One of the most common mistakes is rushing. A quick brushing, done only on the visible surface of the teeth, leaves exactly the most sensitive areas during orthodontic treatment uncared for. Another mistake is forgoing interdental cleaning because of the impression that it is complicated. Equally problematic is the idea that mouthwash or mouthwash can replace thorough brushing. In reality, they work best as part of a complete routine.
Keeping your braces clean is one of the most important prerequisites for orthodontic treatment to end with a beautiful and healthy smile. Correctly aligned teeth are not enough if caries, gum inflammation or enamel demineralization occurs along the way. A consistent routine, the right products and regular check-ups make the difference between a treatment that's completed and one that leaves problems behind
