How to Care for Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Braces and aligners work by applying steady pressure over months — but that only pays off if your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout treatment. Poor care during this period is one of the most common reasons results get delayed.

With fixed braces, food and plaque collect around brackets and wires far more than on plain teeth. Brush after every meal where possible, angling the brush to clean above and below each bracket, and use an interdental brush or floss threader to get under the wire — regular floss alone usually can’t reach. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can bend wires or pop off brackets: think whole apples, hard candy, or chewing gum.

With clear aligners, the discipline is different — remove them before eating or drinking anything except water, and brush your teeth before putting them back in, otherwise you trap food and bacteria directly against your enamel for hours.

Either way, don’t skip your scheduled adjustment or check-in visits. They’re not just about tightening wires or issuing new trays — they’re when your dentist catches early decay or gum inflammation before it becomes a real problem.