Did you know most people with braces are brushing the wrong way without realizing it? Keeping your braces clean is simpler than you think, and the right technique makes all the difference.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment helps straighten teeth and align your jaw to improve how your smile looks, how you chew, and your overall oral health. Whether you have crowded, gapped, crooked, or misaligned teeth, we have options to suit you.
Who Is It For?
Orthodontic treatment is suitable for children, teens, and adults alike. If you have bite issues or teeth that are not quite where they should be, this treatment could be a great fit for you.
How It Works
Think of it like a gentle guide that nudges your teeth into place over time, similar to how slow, steady pressure shapes a growing plant. We start with an exam and x-rays, then build a custom plan just for you. Regular checkups allow us to make small adjustments until everything lines up perfectly.
Key Benefits
- A more confident smile
- Easier cleaning between teeth
- Less wear on your teeth over time
- Improved chewing and speaking
We always walk you through your options, expected timeframes, and care steps in plain, friendly language so you feel confident every step of the way.
How to Brush and Floss With Braces the Right Way
Keeping your braces clean doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right tools and technique, you can protect your teeth and get the most out of your treatment.
Brushing With Braces
Start by rinsing your mouth with water to loosen any food caught in your braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, angling the brush at 45 degrees to clean above and below each bracket. Brush gently in small circular motions, spending at least two minutes covering all surfaces.
- Brush after every meal to prevent plaque buildup around brackets
- Clean each bracket individually for a thorough result
- Don’t forget your gumline where plaque loves to hide
Flossing With Braces
Flossing with braces takes a little more effort, but it’s just as important. A floss threader or orthodontic floss makes it much easier to get between your teeth and under the wire. Gently guide the floss between each tooth and curve it along the sides to remove buildup.
Staying consistent with these habits keeps your smile healthy throughout your entire treatment. For more detailed guidance, visit our Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Orthodontics Clean.
| Tool | Purpose | How Often to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-Bristled Toothbrush | Cleans brackets, wires, and tooth surfaces without causing damage | After every meal and before bed |
| Fluoride Toothpaste | Strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities around brackets | Every time you brush |
| Floss Threader | Guides floss under the wire to clean between teeth | At least once daily |
| Orthodontic Floss | Removes plaque and debris from between teeth and along the gumline | At least once daily |
| Interdental Brush | Cleans hard-to-reach areas around brackets and under wires | Daily or as needed |
| Water Flosser | Uses a stream of water to flush out food and bacteria around braces | Daily as a supplement to flossing |
| Fluoride Mouthwash | Rinses away remaining bacteria and adds extra cavity protection | Once daily, typically before bed |
Orthodontic Treatment at Hilgers Orthodontics
At Hilgers Orthodontics, we are proud to offer orthodontic treatment to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile. We believe that a well-aligned smile can make a real difference in your everyday life.
Our orthodontic services are designed with your comfort and goals in mind. Whether you are looking to correct crowding, spacing, or bite issues, we are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Treatment
What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment for teens and adults?
At Hilgers Orthodontics, we see orthodontic treatment make a real difference for patients of all ages. You can expect a more confident smile, easier cleaning between your teeth, less wear on your teeth over time, and improved chewing and speaking. Whether you are a teen or an adult, treatment is designed to fit your needs.
How should you brush your teeth properly when wearing braces?
We recommend rinsing with water first to loosen any food, then using a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste angled at 45 degrees. Brush in small circular motions for at least two minutes, making sure to clean above and below each bracket individually and along your gumline.
What tools do you need to keep your braces clean every day?
Keeping your braces clean is easier with the right tools. We suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, a floss threader, orthodontic floss, an interdental brush, a water flosser, and fluoride mouthwash. Each tool targets different areas to keep plaque and bacteria from building up. Learn more on our types of braces and care page.
How do you floss effectively with braces on?
Flossing with braces takes a little extra effort, but it is very important. Using a floss threader or orthodontic floss helps you guide floss under the wire and between each tooth. Gently curve the floss along the sides of each tooth to remove buildup and keep your gums healthy throughout your treatment.
Who is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment at Hilgers Orthodontics?
At Hilgers Orthodontics, orthodontic treatment is a great fit for children, teens, and adults. If you have crowded, gapped, crooked, or misaligned teeth, or if you experience bite issues, we can build a custom plan just for you starting with an exam and x-rays. Visit our orthodontic FAQs to learn more. You can also explore resources from the American Association of Orthodontists to learn more about the importance of orthodontic alignment.
Start Your Orthodontic Journey With Us
At Hilgers Orthodontics, we are here to support you every step of the way through your orthodontic treatment. Call us today or schedule online to get personalized guidance from our experienced team.
