Braces Maintenance

Why Maintenance Matters During Orthodontic Treatment

Proper maintenance of your orthodontic appliances is not just about keeping your braces clean—it’s essential for your overall oral health and the success of your treatment. At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Erie, CO, Dr. T.C. Hardy and our team understand that adding brackets and wires to your mouth creates new challenges for oral hygiene. Food particles can easily become trapped around braces, potentially leading to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease if not properly addressed.

Many patients underestimate how their daily oral care routine needs to change during orthodontic treatment. The investment you’re making in your smile deserves the proper care to ensure optimal results. Without diligent maintenance, treatment times can extend, and additional dental issues may arise, requiring further intervention.

Regular maintenance not only preserves your oral health during treatment but also protects your investment in orthodontic care. By following our maintenance guidelines, you can help ensure your treatment progresses smoothly and efficiently, leading to the beautiful, healthy smile you’re working toward.

Essential Daily Maintenance Tips for Braces

Brushing Techniques for Braces

Brushing with braces requires extra attention and a modified technique to ensure all surfaces are cleaned properly. We recommend brushing after every meal—not just morning and night—since food particles can quickly accumulate around brackets and wires. This frequent brushing helps prevent staining of both your teeth and the clear or ceramic brackets if you have them.

For proper brushing technique, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Position your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean above each bracket, then tilt to clean below each bracket. Use gentle circular motions, spending about 10 seconds on each tooth. Pay special attention to the areas where the gums meet the teeth, as these are prone to inflammation during orthodontic treatment.

Electric toothbrushes can be particularly effective for braces wearers, as they can more easily clean around brackets and wires. Some models even have specialized orthodontic brush heads designed specifically for cleaning around braces. Remember to replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

Advanced Flossing Methods for Braces

Flossing with braces presents unique challenges, but it’s a critical step that shouldn’t be skipped. Specialized flossing tools make this task much more manageable. We recommend using a threadable floss or a floss threader to navigate around wires and brackets.

To use a floss threader effectively:

1. Thread about 18 inches of regular floss through the eye of the threader
2. Insert the pointed end of the threader between your teeth below the archwire
3. Gently guide the threader through until the floss is positioned between teeth
4. Remove the threader while leaving the floss in place
5. Wrap the floss around your fingers and use a gentle up-and-down motion to clean between teeth
6. Be careful not to apply pressure against the archwire
7. Repeat for all teeth

Water flossers are also excellent tools for braces maintenance. They use a pressurized stream of water to remove food particles and plaque from areas that are difficult to reach with traditional flossing methods. Many orthodontists, including Dr. Hardy, highly recommend water flossers for their orthodontic patients due to their effectiveness and ease of use.

Specialized Tools for Braces Cleaning

The Proxabrush, often called a “Christmas tree brush” due to its conical shape, is an indispensable tool for anyone with braces. This interdental brush is specifically designed to clean around brackets and between teeth where a regular toothbrush can’t reach effectively.

To use a Proxabrush correctly:

• Insert the brush between two brackets, below the archwire
• Gently brush up and down several times
• Repeat the motion from the opposite direction (from above or below)
• Continue this process for all brackets and wires
• Rinse the brush frequently during use

Other specialized tools that can enhance your braces maintenance routine include orthodontic wax (to cover sharp edges and prevent irritation), interdental picks, and end-tuft brushes for reaching back molars. We provide our orthodontic patients with a maintenance kit that includes these essential tools, along with detailed instructions for their use.

Diet Modifications and Food Restrictions During Treatment

Foods to Avoid with Braces

What you eat during orthodontic treatment plays a significant role in maintaining your braces and preventing damage. Certain foods can damage brackets, bend wires, or get stuck in your braces, potentially prolonging your treatment time. At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we recommend avoiding:

Adapting your diet during orthodontic treatment is temporary but essential for preventing emergency appointments and keeping your treatment on schedule. When you do consume harder foods, cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces can help minimize the risk of damage to your braces.

Braces-Friendly Food Options

While there are restrictions during orthodontic treatment, many delicious and nutritious foods are perfectly compatible with braces. Focus on softer foods that require minimal chewing and won’t damage your orthodontic appliances:

• Dairy products: Yogurt, cheese, pudding
• Soft fruits: Bananas, berries, applesauce
• Cooked vegetables: Steamed or roasted to a soft consistency
• Grains: Pasta, rice, soft breads (avoid crusty varieties)
• Proteins: Eggs, ground meat, fish, beans, tofu

These braces-friendly options provide the nutrition your body needs while protecting your orthodontic investment. Dr. Hardy recommends maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, which are particularly important for supporting healthy tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.

Professional Maintenance and Check-ups

The Importance of Regular Orthodontic Appointments

Regular appointments with Dr. T.C. Hardy are a crucial component of your orthodontic maintenance routine. These check-ups allow our team to monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and address any issues before they become more significant problems.

During these appointments, we’ll assess how your teeth are moving, adjust wires and bands as needed, and evaluate your oral hygiene practices. Most patients will need to visit us every 4-8 weeks, depending on their specific treatment plan and progress. These regular visits help ensure your treatment stays on track and progresses efficiently.

Missing or frequently rescheduling appointments can significantly extend your treatment time. Consistent attendance at your scheduled appointments demonstrates your commitment to achieving the best possible results and maintaining your oral health throughout treatment.

Professional Cleaning During Orthodontic Treatment

Even with excellent home care, professional cleanings remain essential during orthodontic treatment. Our hygienists are specially trained to clean around braces and can reach areas that may be difficult for you to clean at home. We recommend maintaining your regular 6-month cleaning schedule with our pediatric dental team, in addition to your orthodontic appointments.

During professional cleanings, our team can:

• Remove plaque and tartar buildup around brackets
• Identify early signs of decalcification or decay
• Apply fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
• Provide personalized guidance on improving your home care routine

These professional cleanings help prevent common issues like white spot lesions (decalcification) that can occur during orthodontic treatment due to inadequate plaque removal around brackets.

Handling Orthodontic Emergencies

Common Orthodontic Emergencies and Solutions

While proper maintenance helps prevent many issues, occasional orthodontic emergencies may still arise. Knowing how to handle these situations can provide relief until you can visit our office:

• Broken bracket or band: If a bracket comes loose but is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and apply orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. Call our office to schedule a repair appointment.

• Poking wire: Use a clean eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire flat against the tooth. If that’s not possible, cover the end with orthodontic wax and call our office.

• Lost separator: If a separator falls out within a day or two of an appointment, call our office for guidance on whether it needs to be replaced.

• Mouth sores: Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) several times daily and apply a small amount of topical anesthetic like Orajel if needed.

• Loose appliance: If your appliance is poking you or feels loose, use wax to stabilize it temporarily and contact our office promptly.

For any orthodontic emergency that causes significant pain or prevents you from eating or speaking properly, contact our Erie office right away at (720) 764-6158. Our team is committed to addressing emergency situations promptly to keep your treatment on track.

Special Maintenance Considerations for Different Orthodontic Options

Maintenance for Invisalign® and Clear Aligners

If you’re using Invisalign® or other clear aligners from Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, maintenance involves different but equally important steps:

• Clean aligners morning and night with a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap (avoid colored soaps, toothpaste, or harsh chemicals)
• Rinse aligners thoroughly every time you remove them
• Soak aligners regularly in Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner
• Always store aligners in their case when not in use
• Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything except water
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene, brushing and flossing before reinserting aligners

The advantage of Invisalign® is the ability to remove the aligners for eating and cleaning, eliminating many of the food restrictions associated with traditional braces. However, disciplined wear time (20-22 hours daily) is essential for successful treatment.

Maintenance for Specialty Appliances

If your orthodontic treatment includes specialty appliances like expanders, space maintainers, or functional appliances, these require specific maintenance protocols:

• Clean removable appliances thoroughly each time you brush your teeth
• For fixed expanders, use a water flosser or syringe to flush out food debris after meals
• Apply wax to any parts of fixed appliances that cause irritation
• Follow specific activation instructions exactly as provided by Dr. Hardy
• Bring your removable appliances to every appointment for inspection

Dr. T.C. Hardy and our team will provide detailed maintenance instructions specific to your appliance type and treatment plan. Following these guidelines ensures the appliance functions correctly and delivers the intended treatment results.

FAQ: Braces Maintenance Questions

How often should I brush my teeth with braces?

You should brush your teeth after every meal when wearing braces, which typically means at least three times daily. Food particles easily become trapped around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and decay. If you’re unable to brush after eating, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water to dislodge any obvious food particles, and brush as soon as possible. Many of our patients find it helpful to keep a travel toothbrush and small toothpaste in their backpack, purse, or locker for on-the-go cleaning. Electric toothbrushes are highly recommended as they can provide more thorough cleaning around orthodontic hardware with less effort.

Will my teeth stain with braces?

Teeth can develop white spot lesions (areas of decalcification) during orthodontic treatment if plaque is allowed to remain on tooth surfaces for extended periods. These spots appear lighter than the surrounding enamel and become visible after braces are removed. The best prevention is excellent oral hygiene throughout treatment, including thorough brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings. Using a fluoride mouthwash and fluoride toothpaste can provide additional protection. For patients with clear or ceramic brackets, certain foods and drinks like coffee, tea, curry, and tomato sauce can stain the clear elastic ties used with these brackets, but the brackets themselves and your teeth can remain stain-free with proper care.

How do I clean my braces after eating sticky foods?

If you accidentally consume sticky foods, clean your braces immediately to prevent damage. Start by rinsing vigorously with water to dislodge larger particles. Next, brush thoroughly around each bracket and along the gumline. Use your proxabrush (Christmas tree brush) to clean between brackets and under wires. Interdental brushes can help remove stubborn sticky residue. Finally, floss using a threader or specialized orthodontic floss to remove any remaining particles between teeth. If you notice any damage to brackets or wires after eating sticky foods, contact our Erie office promptly at (720) 764-6158 to schedule a repair appointment.

What should I do if a bracket breaks or comes loose?

If a bracket breaks or comes loose but remains attached to the wire, leave it in place and use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges that might irritate your cheek or gum. Avoid wiggling the loose bracket, as this could cause it to detach completely. If the bracket has completely come off, keep it in a small container and bring it to your next appointment. Call our office at (720) 764-6158 to determine if you need an immediate repair appointment or if it can wait until your next scheduled visit. In most cases, a loose bracket is not a true emergency unless it’s causing significant discomfort or interfering with your ability to eat or speak.

How long will it take to adjust to cleaning my teeth with braces?

Most patients require about two weeks to become comfortable with their new oral hygiene routine after getting braces. During this adjustment period, cleaning will take longer than you’re accustomed to—typically 10-15 minutes for a thorough cleaning. Over time, as you develop efficient techniques and become familiar with your braces, the process will become second nature. Dr. Hardy and our team provide detailed demonstrations during your initial appointments and are always available to offer additional guidance or tips if you’re struggling with any aspect of braces maintenance. Remember that this learning curve is temporary, but the habits you develop now will help ensure a successful orthodontic outcome.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Perfect Smile

At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. T.C. Hardy and our team are committed to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile through expert orthodontic care and personalized maintenance guidance. Proper maintenance during your orthodontic treatment is essential for achieving optimal results in the shortest possible time.

If you have additional questions about caring for your braces or are experiencing any issues with your orthodontic appliance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team. We’re here to support you throughout your orthodontic journey and help you develop habits that will benefit your oral health for a lifetime.

Located in Erie, our practice serves patients throughout Boulder County and beyond with state-of-the-art orthodontic care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate busy families and school schedules.

📍 Visit Us: 3200 Village Vista Dr., Suite 110, Erie, CO 80516
📞 Call: (720) 764-6158
📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today