CARE FOR BRACES

Protect your investment.

Brushing your teeth with braces

Brushing and flossing your teeth is CRITICAL when you have braces. When you get your braces, we will show you how to brush and floss in order to maintain healthy gums. Every time you come into our office for a visit Dr. Bret will evaluate your teeth and gum tissues to make sure that you are are brushing correctly. 

Brushing Instructions

Teeth with braces being brushed; white toothbrush removing plaque.
Brushing: Step 1

Put your tooth brush at a 45 degree angle to your gum tissue.

Illustration of brushing teeth with braces. A green toothbrush cleans teeth with visible brackets.
Brushing: Step 2

Brush your teeth gently flushing out debris that are located within the braces.

Toothbrush cleaning teeth with braces.
Brushing: Step 3

Brush the outer, inner, and top chewing surface of the teeth.

Brushing teeth with braces: toothbrush cleaning teeth with metal brackets, showing oral hygiene.
Brushing: Step 4

Use the tip of the brush to clean the front inside surface of the top and bottom teeth.

Flossing Instructions

Teeth with braces, being cleaned with a small interdental brush.
Flossing: Step 1

Using a piece of floss about 18 inches long, carefully thread the end between braces and wire. You may find a floss threader helpful.

Teeth with braces, dental floss being used to clean between teeth.
Flossing: Step 2

Carefully floss around the braces.

Flossing with braces: a hand is guiding floss between teeth and under the wire of braces.
Flossing: Step 3

Carefully, floss around the gum tissue.

Mouth with braces, flossing between teeth with floss threader.
Flossing: Step 4

Use the tip of the brush to clean the front inside surface of the top and bottom teeth.