Braces can make even the simplest routines feel more complicated. Brushing your teeth is one of them. It takes a little more time, a little more effort, and a lot more consistency to stay ahead of buildup and irritation during your orthodontic treatment.
Farnsworth Family Orthodontics can help you build habits that work. Our board-certified doctors, Dr. Farnsworth, Dr. Sorensen, and Dr. Brimhall, take the time to explain what’s important and how to make it manageable.
Why Brushing With Braces Matters
Braces give food and plaque more room to settle in. Tight spots around brackets and wires are easy to miss if you’re brushing on autopilot. When buildup sticks around, it leads to problems like:
- Swollen, irritated gums
- White spots from enamel decalcification
- Cavities forming around brackets
- Ongoing bad breath
- Slower progress caused by inflammation
Clean teeth are a bonus, but they’re also part of what keeps your treatment moving in the right direction. Dr. Farnsworth, Dr. Sorensen, and Dr. Brimhall often see how missed brushing can set patients back. Thankfully, consistency trumps perfection.
Tools That Make Brushing Easier
Brushing with braces doesn’t have to feel like a hassle. The right tools can save you time and make it easier to clean around every bracket and wire without getting frustrated. Try adding a few of these to your routine:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush or electric brush made for orthodontic care
- Interdental brushes that slide between brackets and wires
- A water flosser to rinse away food and plaque in hard-to-reach areas
- Fluoride toothpaste helps protect enamel during treatment
- Orthodontic wax for any spots where your brush keeps catching
These small adjustments make a big difference. When brushing feels manageable, it’s easier to keep up with it, morning and night.
Brushing Mistakes That Can Slow You Down
Braces make brushing a little more complicated, and it’s easy to miss things if you’re not paying attention. The truth is, small habits, good or bad, can have a big impact on how smoothly your treatment goes. A few small habits can either move your treatment forward or drag it out longer than it needs to be.
Rushing Through It
A quick once-over won’t cut it when you have braces. If you’re brushing for 20 seconds before school or skipping your bedtime routine, food and plaque are sitting there overnight. That buildup adds up fast. Try to brush for two full minutes, twice a day, and make a habit of brushing after meals whenever you can.
Skipping the Right Angles
You need to brush above and below each bracket, not just the center. Holding your brush at a 45-degree angle helps you reach the gumline and the space under the wire where plaque loves to hide. A little tilt makes a big difference.
Forgetting to Floss
Yes, it takes more effort. But flossing with braces is still a must. If regular floss feels impossible, use a floss threader or grab a water flosser. Either one makes the process quicker and more doable, especially if you’re dealing with soreness after an adjustment.
Too Much Pressure When Brushing With Braces
More pressure doesn’t mean a better clean. Scrubbing too hard can wear down enamel and make your gums even more sensitive. Stick with soft bristles and gentle, steady strokes. You want clean teeth, not irritated ones.
Once you spot the habits that aren’t working, it’s easier to replace them with ones that do.
Keep Aligners Clean During Invisalign Treatment
If you’re using Invisalign, your brushing routine won’t look the same as it would with braces, but it’s just as important to stay consistent. Even though there aren’t any brackets or wires, Invisalign trays still create a sealed environment where bacteria can build up quickly. Patients using Invisalign in Lubbock or nearby often ask how to keep their trays clean without making things overly complicated. Here’s what helps:
- Brush after every meal before you put your aligners back in. Even a little leftover food or sugar can get trapped under the trays and lead to decay.
- Rinse your trays each time you remove them to prevent buildup or odor, especially if you’re out and don’t have a chance to clean them right away.
- Use clear, unscented soap or a designated aligner cleaner to wash them once a day. Avoid toothpaste as it can scratch the plastic.
- Skip colored mouthwash while wearing the trays. The dyes can stain the material and make your aligners more noticeable.
Keeping your aligners and your teeth clean protects your enamel and helps avoid delays in treatment. Invisalign Lubbock patients often find that building a travel kit with a small toothbrush, toothpaste, and aligner case makes it easier to stay on track during the day. Little things like that go a long way when you’re trying to keep up with a busy schedule.
How Farnsworth Family Orthodontics Helps You Stay on Track
Brushing with braces doesn’t come naturally overnight. That’s why the team at Farnsworth Family Orthodontics checks your hygiene progress at every visit. Dr. Farnsworth, Dr. Sorensen, and Dr. Brimhall believe in clear guidance and realistic expectations. If something’s not working for your routine, they’ll help you pivot without feeling overwhelmed. That’s one reason Lubbock braces patients, Invisalign users, and anyone searching for an orthodontist in Lubbock, TX, turn to our team for guidance that works.
Reach out to schedule your free consultation at our Carlsbad, Clovis, Hobbs, Lubbock, or San Angelo office.