Braces or aligners are doing the hard work of straightening your smile — but keeping your teeth and gums healthy during treatment is just as important. With brackets, wires, or trays in place, extra care helps prevent cavities, stains, and gum problems.
Here’s a Canadian-friendly guide to maintaining excellent oral hygiene during orthodontic care.
🪠 Daily Cleaning Routine
- Brush 2–3 times a day, especially after meals
- Use a soft toothbrush or electric brush with an orthodontic head
- Angle the bristles above and below brackets to remove plaque
- Use fluoride toothpaste for added protection
🤧 Floss Like a Pro
- For braces: Use floss threaders, orthodontic floss, or a water flosser
- For aligners: Floss before putting trays back in
- Floss once a day to clean between teeth and under the gumline
🛌 Care Tips for Braces
- Avoid hard, sticky, and sugary foods
- Use orthodontic wax to ease irritation from brackets
- Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to keep gums healthy
🤬 Aligners Need Love Too
- Rinse trays every time you take them out
- Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush — no hot water!
- Store in their case when not in use
✅ Regular Dental Visits
- See your dentist every 6 months for cleanings and checkups
- Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing can’t
- Your dentist and orthodontist will work together to protect your oral health
Need help keeping your teeth healthy during treatment?
Ask the McLevin Dental team for tips and tools — we’ll help you maintain a bright, healthy smile throughout your orthodontic journey.