What’s the most important thing I can do for my braces or Invisalign at home?

The most important thing you can do is keep your teeth and gums very clean. That means brushing thoroughly at least twice a day (and after meals when possible) and flossing daily. Good oral hygiene helps prevent cavities, gum problems, and stains around the brackets so your smile looks its best when treatment is finished.

How should I brush my teeth with braces?

With braces, you need to brush all surfaces of your teeth and the brackets. Angle your toothbrush above and below the brackets and focus on the gumline, where plaque builds up easily. If your gums look red or swollen, it’s often a sign that you need to spend more time brushing that area.

What is a proxy brush and why should I use one?

A proxy brush (also called an interdental brush) is a small brush designed to fit between brackets and in tight spaces your regular toothbrush might miss. It’s especially helpful for cleaning around wires, between teeth, and in those hard-to-reach spots. Using a proxy brush along with regular brushing helps keep your smile cleaner and healthier during orthodontic treatment.

Do I still need to floss with braces or Invisalign, and how can I make it easier?

Yes—flossing is essential, even with braces or Invisalign. Special orthodontic flossers or floss threaders make it much easier to get the floss under the wire and between the teeth. If you’re running low on flossers, proxy brushes, or elastics, just contact Idaho Orthodontics and we’ll be happy to get you more supplies.

Oral Hygiene

Name: Oral Hygiene
Uploaded: 2025-11-19T15:21:50.720Z
Description: Dr. Taylor Brown shares an easy at-home oral hygiene routine to keep your braces or Invisalign clean and your gums healthy—even between visits.

Dr. Taylor Brown shares an easy at-home oral hygiene routine to keep your braces or Invisalign clean and your gums healthy—even between visits.

Dr. Taylor Brown teaches us how to properly brush our teeth and take care of our gums.

While you're staying home, remember that the most important thing you can do for your braces or Invisalign is to keep your teeth clean. Here's a helpful routine to follow:

🪥Brushing: Brush all surfaces of your teeth and braces. Make sure to turn your toothbrush at different angles, paying special attention to the gum line on both the top and bottom. Red gums may indicate that this area isn't being cleaned adequately.

🪥Proxy Brushes: Use proxy brushes to clean those harder-to-reach places and in between your teeth.

🪥Flossing: After using your toothbrush and proxy brush, use special orthodontic flossers. These are designed to make flossing easier and are an essential part of your oral hygiene routine.

If you're running low on flossers, proxy brushes, or elastics, please give us a call, and we'll make sure you're taken care of.

Related Post: How Orthodontic Treatment Improves Jaw Function and Oral Health

Transcript

Hi, this is Dr. Brown with Idaho Orthodontics.

While you’re staying home, the most important thing you can do for your braces or Invisalign is to keep your teeth really clean.

Remember, it’s important to brush all surfaces of both your teeth and your braces. When you’re brushing, make sure to turn your toothbrush at different angles and pay special attention to the area along the gumline on both the top and bottom teeth.

If your gums look red or puffy, that may be a sign that this area isn’t being cleaned well enough.

Proxy brushes (or interdental brushes) are very helpful for cleaning those harder-to-reach places and in between the teeth and braces. Once you’ve used both your toothbrush and your proxy brush, these special orthodontic flossers are designed to make flossing easier—which is an essential part of good oral hygiene.

If you’re running low on flossers, proxy brushes, or elastics, please give us a call, and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.