Brushing With Braces: Complete Guide to Cleaning Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Brushing with braces can feel challenging at first, but maintaining excellent oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is critical for protecting your teeth, gums, and final smile results.

Whether you have metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners like Invisalign®, keeping teeth clean helps prevent plaque buildup, staining, cavities, and gum inflammation during treatment.

Orthodontic appliances create small spaces where food particles and bacteria can collect. With the right tools and daily habits, you can keep your teeth clean, healthy, and bright throughout your orthodontic journey.

Why Oral Hygiene Is More Important When You Have Braces

When you wear braces, brackets and wires can trap food and plaque against your teeth. Without proper cleaning, this can lead to:

  • White spots or staining on teeth
  • Tooth decay or cavities
  • Gum inflammation or gingivitis
  • Prolonged orthodontic treatment time
  • Preventive dental care and daily oral hygiene are key parts of successful orthodontic treatment and long-term smile health.

How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces (Step-by-Step)

🪥 Brush After Every Meal (4 Times Per Day if Possible)

Ideally, brush:

  • After breakfast
  • After lunch
  • After dinner
  • Before bed

Keeping a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you makes brushing easier when you are away from home.

🧵 Clean Between Brackets and Teeth

Use tools designed for orthodontic care:

  • Interdental (proxy) brushes for tight spaces
  • Super floss or floss threaders for under wires
  • Water flossers (WaterPik® or similar) for plaque and debris removal

These tools help clean areas a regular toothbrush may miss.

🧴 Use a Fluoride Mouth Rinse Nightly

A fluoride rinse helps:

  • Strengthen enamel
  • Reduce cavity risk
  • Reach areas your brush cannot

Swish for one minute each night before bed.

🦷 Keep Regular Dental Cleaning Appointments

Continue seeing your general dentist every six months (or as recommended). Professional cleanings help remove plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy during orthodontic treatment.

Best Toothbrushes and Products for Braces

Many orthodontic patients benefit from:

  • Soft-bristle manual toothbrushes
  • Electric toothbrushes with orthodontic heads
  • Fluoride toothpaste
  • Orthodontic flossers
  • Water flossers

Ask your orthodontic team which products are best for your specific appliance.

Common Questions About Brushing With Braces

How Long Should I Brush With Braces?

Brush for at least 2 minutes, making sure to clean:

  • Above brackets
  • Below brackets
  • Gumline
  • Chewing surfaces

Can I Use an Electric Toothbrush With Braces?

Yes. Electric toothbrushes can be very effective when used gently around brackets and wires.

What Happens If I Don’t Brush Well With Braces?

Poor oral hygiene can lead to permanent staining, cavities, or gum problems — even after braces are removed.

Need Help With Braces Care? Harris Orthodontics Is Here for You

If you have questions about brushing with braces, oral hygiene, or orthodontic treatment options, our team is happy to help. We are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile.

👉 Contact Jay Harris Orthodontics to schedule a consultation or ask about orthodontic care for kids, teens, and adults.