Braces and aligners are powerful tools for achieving a straight, confident smile. But while they work on aligning your teeth, your job is to keep them clean and healthy. Whether you’re using metal braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, your dental care routine needs a few key upgrades.
At Dentology by Dr. Sagar, we guide patients through every step of their orthodontic journey – from fitting to flawless aftercare. In this blog, we’ll show you how to take excellent care of your teeth during treatment and avoid common pitfalls like cavities, stains, and gum issues.
1. Brush After Every Meal
Food particles and plaque love hiding around brackets or inside aligners. That’s why brushing after every meal is non-negotiable.
With Braces:
- Use a soft-bristled brush/an ortho brush, or an electric toothbrush.
- Brush at a 45° angle to clean above and below the brackets.
- Use a proxabrush (interdental brush) to clean between wires.
With Aligners:
- Remove your aligners before brushing.
- Rinse aligners with water before putting them back.
Pro Tip: Keep a travel-sized brush and toothpaste in your bag for quick clean-ups on the go.
2. Floss Daily- Yes, Daily!
Flossing is tricky with braces, but still essential.
With Braces:
- Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss picks to reach under wires.
- Water flossers (like Waterpik) are a great investment – they flush out plaque without tugging.
With Aligners:
Floss normally once a day. Be extra thorough – aligners trap plaque against your teeth for hours.
3. Rinse Often with Mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash helps kill germs in areas your brush can’t reach.
Choose a mouthwash with fluoride to:
- Strengthen enamel
- Prevent cavities
- Keep gums healthy
Rinse at least once daily – preferably before bedtime, when saliva flow decreases and bacteria thrive.
4. Watch Your Diet Carefully
Some foods can damage braces or stain aligners.
Avoid with Braces:
- Sticky foods (gum, caramel, toffees)
- Hard foods (nuts, popcorn, crusty bread)
- Sugary drinks (soda, fruit juices)
- Biting directly into apples or corn
Avoid with Aligners:
- Never eat or drink (except water) while wearing aligners
- Foods and drinks can stain the trays and increase cavity risk
Stick to soft, braces-friendly foods and remove aligners for all meals.
5. Clean Your Aligners the Right Way
If you use clear aligners:
✅ Rinse them every time you remove them
✅ Soak daily in aligner cleaning solution or gentle denture cleaner
✅ Use a soft toothbrush (not toothpaste) to scrub gently
❌ Don’t wash with hot water – it can warp the plastic
Pro Tip: Bacteria build up fast in trays – if you skip cleaning, your aligners will smell and stain.
6. Protect Against Cavities and Decalcification
Braces can make it easier for white spots (decalcification) and cavities to form if you don’t clean properly.
To prevent this:
- Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
- Don’t snack frequently – every bite feeds cavity-causing bacteria
- Stick to your dental cleaning appointments every 6 months (or more often if recommended)
At Dentology by Dr. Sagar, we monitor your progress and provide professional cleanings to prevent long-term issues.
7. Don’t Miss Your Orthodontic Appointments
Regular check-ups are vital for:
- Adjusting wires or aligner trays
- Checking tooth movement
- Monitoring oral hygiene
- Preventing complications
If you skip visits, you risk delaying your treatment or even damaging your teeth and gums.
8. Deal with Discomfort the Right Way
Braces and aligners can cause occasional discomfort or mouth sores.
- Use orthodontic wax to reduce irritation from brackets
- Rinse with warm salt water for sore spots
- Take over-the-counter pain relief (only as needed)
Never try to adjust wires or trays yourself -always contact your dentist.
Your Journey to a Perfect Smile Starts Here
Straight teeth are great, but healthy, clean teeth are even better. Whether you’re just starting with braces or switching to aligners, your hygiene routine matters more than ever.
At Dentology by Dr. Sagar, we offer expert orthodontic care and personalized guidance to ensure your treatment is smooth, safe, and successful.
📞 Call Us Today: +91 98786 46775
📧 Email: dentologybysagar@gmail.com
Invest in your smile – and protect it every step of the way with Dentology by Dr. Sagar.
