LakePointe Orthodontics in St. Clair Shores has board-certified orthodontists like Dr. Frenchi and Dr. Jezdimir who can help you achieve your goals and offer tips for brushing braces. Learning to brush your teeth with braces can feel tricky at first, but with the right technique, it quickly becomes a part of your routine. A healthy smile makes for great results.
Adjusting your routine is important because food gets trapped in new places. Plaque has more surface area to cling to. If that stuff stays put, it can lead to gum swelling, tooth discoloration, or even delays in your treatment.
Common Trouble Spots to Watch
Every mouth is different, but there are a few areas most patients miss once they’re in braces. If you’ve been brushing the same way you always have, these spots are easy to overlook.
- Right around the brackets, especially near the gumline
- Between the back teeth, where wires run across
- Underneath archwires
- Around rubber bands or ligatures
- Anywhere molars feel crowded or tight
These are the places where plaque settles first. Paying attention to them helps prevent bigger problems from starting.
Tools That Make a Real Difference
You don’t need a drawer full of gadgets, but having the right tools on hand can cut down on frustration and make your routine easier. Try these if you haven’t already:
- A compact, soft-bristled brush (manual or electric)
- Orthodontic flossers or threaders
- A small interdental brush for tight spaces
- Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
- A mirror and good lighting (seriously, it helps)
Keeping your tools visible instead of hidden in a drawer also makes it more likely you’ll use them.
The Routine Still Matters Whether You Have Braces or Invisalign
Whether you’re in traditional metal braces or wearing Invisalign, oral hygiene matters just as much. The routines and tips for brushing braces may look a little different, but the goals are the same: remove buildup, protect your enamel, and keep your gums healthy.
For Metal Braces
- Brush at least 3 times per day
- Floss once per day
- Watch for signs of redness, swelling, or bleeding gums
For Invisalign
- Rinse your trays every time you take them out
- Brush your teeth before putting them back in
- Clean your aligners daily with a soft brush and water
- Floss once per day
Skipping even one part of the routine can cause your teeth or trays to start looking cloudy, stained, or inflamed, and that can affect your progress.
Braces vs Invisalign Care Tips
Metal braces and Invisalign both need consistent care, but how you go about it looks a little different. The goal stays the same, which is to keep your teeth clean, your gums healthy, and your treatment moving forward without delays.
Tips for Brushing Braces
Brackets and wires give plaque more places to hide, so brushing after meals is a smart move. A smaller toothbrush helps you get around the edges without missing anything. Flossing can take longer, but skipping it lets bacteria build up in tight spaces. If you start noticing puffy gums or bleeding when you brush, that’s a sign to clean more thoroughly, not less.
If You’re Wearing Invisalign
Even though there are no brackets, Invisalign attachments and trays trap everything around and against your teeth. If you put them back in without brushing, you could be sealing food and sugar in place. That’s why brushing after meals and snacks is still a must. Rinse your trays whenever you remove them, and use a soft toothbrush and water to keep them clear. Avoid abrasive toothpaste that can scratch them. Trays that look cloudy or smell off usually need better daily cleaning.
No matter which system you’re using, good habits are what keep your results on track and your teeth healthy throughout the process.
When Clean Teeth Keep Treatment Moving
Braces and aligners are not as effective if plaque buildup keeps getting in the way. Plaque might seem harmless at first, but when it starts irritating your gums or settling in around your brackets, everything slows down. Teeth don’t move as easily through inflammation, and that can cause tooth movement to be slower, slowing down treatment.
Dr. Frenchi and Dr. Jezdimir take the time to show each patient what’s going well and what could use an adjustment. If something’s off, they’ll help you catch it early, either in office or through our Dental Monitoring technology. You don’t need to be perfect, but keeping your gums and teeth as clean as possible will help make your orthodontic treatment successful with an outcome you are proud of.
What to Do If You’re Struggling
Some patients feel overwhelmed when brushing starts to feel like a chore. If that’s happening, here’s what can help:
- Set reminders on your phone after meals
- Keep a small ortho kit in your backpack or purse
- Ask your orthodontist which areas need more attention
- Switch to an electric brush if you haven’t yet
- Use a disclosing tablet once a week to see what you’re missing
Making small changes based on where you’re getting stuck is more effective than trying to do everything at once.
Do You Need a Reset on Your Routine?
If brushing feels more frustrating than helpful lately, it might be time to switch things up. The team at LakePointe Orthodontics can walk you through simple changes that actually work, all without adding more stress to your day.
Dr. Frenchi and Dr. Jezdimir are here in St. Clair Shores to help you stay on track, whether you’re in braces or Invisalign. Reach out if you have questions or want to fine-tune your routine with more tips for brushing braces.
