Starting orthodontic treatment is a big step toward a healthier, more confident smile — but keeping your teeth clean during the process is just as important as straightening them.
Whether you’re wearing traditional braces or clear Invisalign aligners, proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing cavities, gum issues, and white spots. At Peach Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you through the process with clear, practical advice to help protect your smile while your teeth move into place.
Here are our top tips for taking care of your teeth during orthodontic treatment — no matter which option you’ve chosen.
Braces vs. Invisalign — How Care Routines Differ
Before diving into the tips, it helps to understand how braces and Invisalign impact your daily hygiene routine.
- Braces use metal brackets and wires bonded to the teeth. These create more surfaces where food particles and plaque can build up, making thorough brushing and flossing essential.
- Invisalign involves removable trays, which makes brushing and flossing easier — but it requires discipline. You’ll need to clean your aligners and brush more often to prevent bacteria buildup.
While the tools and routines may vary, the goal is the same: keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
Brushing Tips for Braces or Invisalign
Brushing regularly is your first line of defense against plaque and tooth decay during orthodontic treatment. Here’s how to do it effectively:
With Braces:
- Brush after every meal to remove food particles stuck around brackets and wires.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush for better control.
- Angle your brush at 45 degrees toward the gum line and then toward the brackets.
- Brush for at least 2 full minutes — don’t rush!
- Consider using an orthodontic toothbrush or interdental brush to clean around brackets.
With Invisalign:
- Remove your aligners before brushing.
- Brush your teeth after every meal or snack to prevent trapping food and bacteria inside your trays.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your enamel.
- Don’t forget to brush your aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and rinse them with lukewarm water (never hot water).
Flossing Tips for Braces and Invisalign
Flossing might take more effort with braces, but it’s critical for removing plaque between teeth and under the gumline.
With Braces:
- Use floss threaders or orthodontic flossers to guide floss behind each wire.
- Gently slide the floss between teeth and move it up and down — don’t snap it.
- Floss once a day, even if it takes a little longer at first.
With Invisalign:
- Flossing is simple — just remove your aligners and floss like normal.
- Be consistent. Floss at least once daily to prevent decay and gum inflammation.
Use Tools That Make Hygiene Easier
Orthodontic appliances can make standard brushing and flossing tricky. Luckily, there are tools that can help:
- Water flossers — Great for flushing out food debris and plaque, especially around braces.
- Interdental brushes — Small brushes that fit between brackets and under wires.
- Mouthwash — A fluoride rinse helps strengthen enamel and reduce plaque buildup.
- Aligner cleaning crystals or tablets — Specially formulated to deep-clean Invisalign trays.
Keep Your Aligners or Braces Clean
Orthodontic appliances can trap bacteria, so keeping them clean is essential.
Cleaning Braces:
- Brush around your brackets and wires carefully.
- Avoid whitening toothpaste — it can cause uneven coloring.
- Don’t use abrasive tools that can damage the hardware.
Cleaning Invisalign Aligners:
- Rinse trays every time you remove them.
- Use clear, anti-bacterial soap or Invisalign cleaning products — never toothpaste (it can scratch the plastic).
- Soak trays daily in a denture or aligner cleaner to prevent staining and odor.
- Always store trays in their case when not in use.
Eat Smart to Protect Your Smile
Your food choices play a big role in your oral health during treatment.
With Braces:
Avoid foods that can damage your brackets or wires, including:
- Sticky candies
- Hard chips and popcorn
- Nuts
- Chewing gum
- Crunchy raw veggies (unless cut small or steamed)
Stick to soft, braces-friendly options like:
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Soft fruits
- Yogurt
- Cooked vegetables
With Invisalign:
- Remove your trays when eating or drinking anything besides water.
- Brush before putting them back in to avoid trapping food and bacteria.
- Limit sugary drinks, as residue can stay on your teeth and trays.
Stay on Schedule With Checkups
Whether you wear braces or Invisalign, routine orthodontic visits help keep your treatment on track and catch small problems before they become bigger ones.
- Visit us every 6–8 weeks (or as recommended)
- Report any discomfort, broken appliances, or tray issues promptly
- Continue seeing your general dentist every 6 months for cleanings and exams
Watch for Signs of Trouble
Keep an eye on your oral health during treatment. If you notice any of the following, contact our team:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- White spots on teeth (early signs of decay)
- Sharp pain or discomfort
- A broken bracket or damaged aligner
Early action can help prevent more serious issues later on.
Why Oral Hygiene Matters During Treatment
Neglecting oral hygiene during braces or Invisalign treatment can lead to:
- Cavities and tooth decay
- Gum disease
- White spot lesions (permanent marks on teeth)
- Bad breath
- Delays in treatment or poor final results
Taking care of your teeth during treatment means you’ll not only get a straighter smile — you’ll keep it healthy and beautiful long after your braces come off or aligners are finished.
Why Choose Peach Orthodontics?
At Peach Orthodontics, we care about more than just straight teeth — we care about your overall oral health. That’s why we provide:
- Expert instruction on brushing and flossing techniques
- Supportive check-ins to monitor your progress
- Patient-first care designed to make treatment easy and comfortable
- Education for parents and teens to stay on track
Serving Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum, and surrounding communities, Dr. Rickheim and Dr. Smith are committed to making your smile journey a success.
Need Help With Your At-Home Routine?
We’re here for you! Whether you have questions about how to brush with braces, clean your Invisalign trays, or choose the right tools, our team is always happy to help.
Contact Peach Orthodontics today or ask us at your next visit — we’ll make sure your smile is on the right track from start to finish.