Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward achieving a healthier and more confident smile. Whether you are wearing traditional braces or clear aligners, daily care plays a major role in how successful and efficient your treatment will be. Proper maintenance helps prevent damage to appliances, reduces the risk of cavities and gum problems, and ensures that your treatment stays on schedule.
At My LA Braces, patients of all ages — kids, teens, and adults — often ask how to best care for their orthodontic appliances day to day. Understanding the right habits early makes the entire experience smoother and more comfortable.
Why Daily Care Matters During Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic appliances create additional spaces where food particles and plaque can collect. Without proper care, this buildup can lead to tooth decay, gum inflammation, and staining around brackets or under aligners. Maintaining good hygiene is not just about keeping your teeth clean — it also protects your investment in your smile.
Daily care helps:
- Prevent cavities and gum disease
- Avoid discoloration around brackets
- Reduce bad breath
- Keep aligners clear and odor-free
- Ensure treatment progresses as planned
Daily Care for Clear Aligners
Clean Your Aligners Every Time You Remove Them
Clear aligners such as Invisalign are designed to fit snugly against your teeth, which means any bacteria trapped inside can remain in contact with your enamel for extended periods. Each time you remove your aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water and gently brush them using a soft toothbrush.
Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic and affect how the aligners fit.
Brush and Floss Before Reinserting Aligners
One of the most important habits aligner patients can develop is brushing and flossing before putting aligners back in. Food particles trapped between teeth can increase the risk of decay when sealed under the aligners for hours.
- Brush at least twice daily
- Floss once per day
- Rinse your mouth after snacks if brushing is not immediately possible
Remove Aligners When Eating or Drinking
Aligners should only be worn while drinking water. Eating or drinking anything else while wearing them can stain the material and cause damage. Sugary drinks can also become trapped inside the aligners, increasing cavity risk.
Daily Care for Braces
Brush After Every Meal
Braces require extra attention because food can easily become trapped around brackets and wires. Brushing after meals helps prevent plaque buildup and keeps your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and angle it around brackets to clean all surfaces of the teeth.
Helpful Brushing Tips
- Brush above and below each bracket
- Take at least two minutes each time
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Consider an electric toothbrush for better cleaning
Floss Daily Using Orthodontic Tools
Flossing with braces may take more time, but it is essential. Floss threaders or orthodontic flossers make it easier to clean between teeth and under wires. Daily flossing helps prevent gum inflammation and keeps breath fresh.
Avoid Foods That Can Damage Braces
Certain foods can bend wires or break brackets, leading to unexpected visits and longer treatment times. Patients should avoid:
- Hard foods such as ice, nuts, or hard candies
- Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum
- Foods that require biting directly into them, such as whole apples or corn on the cob
Cutting food into smaller pieces helps reduce pressure on brackets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many orthodontic issues arise not from major problems but from small daily habits. Avoiding these common mistakes can make a significant difference:
- Skipping brushing before reinserting aligners
- Using toothpaste that is too abrasive on aligners
- Forgetting to wear aligners for the recommended hours
- Ignoring loose brackets or discomfort
- Using teeth to open packages or bite non-food objects
If something feels unusual or breaks, contacting your orthodontist early can prevent bigger issues later.
Maintaining Oral Health Throughout Treatment
Regular dental cleanings and orthodontic checkups remain important throughout treatment. Professional cleanings remove buildup that daily brushing may miss, while orthodontic visits ensure that your teeth are moving correctly.
Using tools such as water flossers, interdental brushes, and fluoride rinses can further improve oral hygiene, especially for patients with braces.
Creating a Routine That Works for Kids, Teens, and Adults
Consistency is key when caring for orthodontic appliances. Creating a simple routine makes daily care easier to maintain. For younger patients, parents can help reinforce brushing habits and check for proper cleaning. Teens and adults often benefit from carrying a small oral care kit with a toothbrush, floss, and travel toothpaste for use after meals.
Over time, these habits become second nature and help ensure the best possible orthodontic outcome.
How we can help
At My LA Braces, we believe that successful orthodontic treatment goes beyond straightening teeth — it involves education, guidance, and ongoing support throughout your journey. As the highest-ranked orthodontic office in East Los Angeles, we provide personalized care for kids, teens, and adults using both braces and Invisalign to match each patient’s lifestyle and goals.
Our team takes the time to show patients exactly how to care for their aligners or braces daily, helping prevent complications and keeping treatment on track. Whether you are starting orthodontic treatment or looking for expert guidance on maintaining your smile, we are here to help you achieve long-lasting results with confidence.