How to Keep Your Teeth Clean During Orthodontic Treatment

Keeping your teeth clean is always important — but when you have braces or Invisalign, it becomes even more critical. Brackets, wires, and aligners can trap food and bacteria in places a regular toothbrush can’t easily reach. At Haeger Orthodontics, we coach every patient in Kent and Maple Valley on exactly how to maintain great oral hygiene throughout their treatment. Here’s what you need to know.

Brushing With Braces: A Step-by-Step Guide

With braces, you should aim to brush after every meal — and always before bed. Here’s the technique we recommend:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Rinse first to loosen any food debris
• Angle the brush at 45 degrees to the gum line and gently brush above and below each bracket
• Brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth
• Pay extra attention to the area right around each bracket — this is where plaque loves to hide
• Electric toothbrushes can be especially helpful for getting around brackets

Flossing With Braces

Flossing with braces requires a little more effort, but it’s non-negotiable. Here are the tools that make it easier:

• Floss threaders: Allow you to thread regular floss under the arch wire
• Orthodontic floss: Pre-threaded for convenience
• Water flossers (like Waterpik): Excellent for flushing out food and bacteria between teeth and around brackets — we highly recommend them
• Interdental brushes: Small brushes that fit between brackets and wires

Caring for Invisalign Aligners

If you’re an Invisalign patient, keeping your aligners clean is just as important as brushing your teeth. Each time you remove your aligners to eat or drink (anything other than water), rinse them under lukewarm water and clean them with a soft toothbrush — without toothpaste, which can scratch the plastic. Never use hot water, which can warp the aligners. Invisalign cleaning crystals are also a great option for a deeper clean.
Always brush and floss before reinserting your aligners to avoid trapping bacteria against your teeth.

Watch for Warning Signs

During treatment, check regularly for red, puffy, or bleeding gums — these can be signs of gingivitis. White spots forming on the enamel around brackets are early signs of decay. If you notice either of these, contact our office right away.

Regular Dental Checkups Still Matter

Don’t skip your regular cleanings with your dentist just because you’re seeing us regularly! Your general dentist can spot cavities, clean areas that are hard to reach at home, and keep your teeth healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. We recommend continuing your routine dental visits every 6 months.

Have questions about oral hygiene during treatment? We’re here to help. Call Haeger Orthodontics at (253) 850-7043 (Kent) or (425) 433-8080 (Maple Valley) — our team loves helping patients keep their smiles healthy from start to finish.