As an orthodontist who has worked with countless children and families, I know that starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting time. Whether your child is getting traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, it’s a big step toward achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. But as with any treatment, the success of orthodontic care depends on a few key things: consistency, commitment, and proper care.
Once your child’s braces or aligners are on, the responsibility doesn’t end there. Keeping their teeth clean and their appliances in good condition is essential for achieving the best results and ensuring their treatment stays on track. In this article, I’ll share my best tips and advice for taking care of your child’s braces or aligners, keeping their smile on the path to success.
Why Care is So Important
Orthodontic appliances like braces and aligners are designed to gradually move your child’s teeth into better alignment. However, braces and aligners create additional spaces where food particles and plaque can get trapped, making proper oral hygiene even more critical. Without regular care, your child’s teeth and gums can develop problems like cavities, gum disease, or decalcification (permanent white spots on the teeth).
The good news is that with the right approach, you can help your child maintain great oral health throughout orthodontic treatment. Whether they’re wearing braces or aligners, there are a few simple but crucial habits that will make all the difference.
Caring for Braces: Tips for Keeping Teeth and Brackets Clean
If your child is wearing traditional braces, keeping them clean can be a bit more challenging, but it’s absolutely doable with the right tools and routine.
1. Brush, Brush, Brush (and Then Brush Again!)
Brushing with braces takes a little extra time and effort, but it’s the most important part of maintaining a healthy smile during treatment. I recommend that your child brushes at least twice a day for two minutes each time, and ideally after every meal.
When brushing with braces, here’s what your child should focus on:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Make sure to brush at a 45-degree angle around each bracket, so that both the teeth and the brackets get thoroughly cleaned.
- Don’t forget to clean the gum line—plaque tends to accumulate here, which can lead to gum inflammation.
- A manual toothbrush works great, but many kids find that an electric toothbrush helps them do a more thorough job.
Sometimes, food gets stuck in the brackets or wires. If that happens, your child can use a proxy brush (also known as an interdental brush), which is a small, spiky brush designed to clean between braces and hard-to-reach areas.
2. Flossing with Braces
Flossing with braces can feel tricky, but it’s a crucial part of your child’s oral care routine. Plaque builds up between the teeth, and if it isn’t removed daily, it can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Here’s how to make flossing easier:
- Use floss threaders. These are handy tools that help guide floss between the wires of the braces.
- You can also use orthodontic floss—it’s specially designed for people with braces.
- If your child is struggling to floss manually, consider using a water flosser. These devices use a pressurized stream of water to remove plaque and food particles between the teeth.
It’s important that your child flosses at least once a day. While it may take a bit more time, it’s a step that pays off with healthier teeth and gums.
3. Rinsing with Mouthwash
Using a fluoride mouthwash can help strengthen your child’s teeth and protect them from cavities. A fluoride rinse also helps reach areas that may be missed during brushing and flossing. I recommend a daily rinse with a mouthwash that is alcohol-free and specifically designed for children or teens.
4. Avoiding Certain Foods
Braces come with a list of dietary restrictions, and following these guidelines can prevent damage to the brackets and wires. I know that some of these restrictions can be frustrating for kids, but trust me—it’s worth it to avoid broken braces and treatment delays.
Here’s what your child should avoid:
- Hard foods like popcorn, nuts, ice, and hard candies.
- Sticky foods like chewing gum, caramel, and toffees.
- Chewy or crunchy snacks like bagels, chips, or tough meats.
Instead, encourage your child to eat softer foods like pasta, fruits, and cooked vegetables. If they crave crunchy snacks, cut foods like apples or carrots into smaller, bite-sized pieces to make them more manageable.
5. Regular Orthodontic Checkups
Braces require regular adjustments to keep the treatment progressing as planned. At Simple Orthodontics, we typically schedule checkups every 6-8 weeks, depending on your child’s specific treatment. During these visits, we’ll adjust the wires, replace rubber bands, and make sure everything is on track.
Encourage your child to wear any rubber bands or appliances as directed. Rubber bands (elastics) are a key part of many orthodontic treatments, helping to correct bite alignment. Failing to wear them as prescribed can slow down treatment significantly, which is something no one wants!
Caring for Aligners: Keeping Invisalign Clean and Clear
If your child is wearing clear aligners like Invisalign, they have a little more flexibility with their diet and cleaning routine. However, aligners come with their own set of care requirements, and keeping them clean and clear is essential for both oral health and achieving great results.
1. Remove Aligners Before Eating or Drinking
One of the benefits of aligners is that your child can remove them when eating, which means they don’t have to worry about food restrictions like with braces. However, it’s critical that they always remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating with the aligners on can lead to staining, odor, and even damage to the aligners.
2. Brush Before Putting Aligners Back In
After every meal or snack, your child should brush their teeth before putting their aligners back in. This prevents food particles from getting trapped between the aligners and teeth, which could cause cavities or bad breath. If brushing isn’t possible right away, at the very least, they should rinse their mouth and the aligners with water until they can brush.
3. Clean the Aligners Regularly
Aligners need to be cleaned just like your child’s teeth. I recommend cleaning them at least twice a day—in the morning and at night.
Here’s how to properly clean aligners:
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the aligners with clear, unscented soap and lukewarm water.
- Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and leave scratches on the aligners, making them cloudy.
- Consider using a specialized Invisalign cleaning solution or retainer cleaning tablets to help remove bacteria and stains.
It’s also important to remind your child not to leave their aligners out in the open or wrap them in napkins, as they can easily be lost or damaged. Instead, they should always store the aligners in their protective case when not in use.
4. Wear Aligners for the Required Time
To achieve the best results with aligners, consistency is key. Your child needs to wear their aligners for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Not wearing the aligners for the recommended amount of time can cause the treatment to lag, extending the overall length of the process.
5. Change Aligners as Directed
With Invisalign, your child will receive a series of aligners, each designed to move their teeth slightly closer to the final result. It’s crucial that they switch to the next set of aligners on the schedule provided. If they forget to change aligners or wear a set for too long, it can delay treatment and affect the overall progress.
Encouraging a Positive Routine
As a parent, you play a vital role in helping your child stay on top of their orthodontic care. Establishing a routine early on will help your child adjust to the added responsibilities of braces or aligners. Make sure they understand the importance of their oral hygiene routine and encourage them to be consistent.
I also recommend scheduling regular dental checkups throughout your child’s orthodontic treatment. Their dentist will help keep an eye on their overall oral health, ensuring that cavities and gum issues don’t develop while the braces or aligners are in place.
When to Call the Orthodontist
Occasionally, issues can arise with braces or aligners, and it’s important to know when to call our office. Here are a few common concerns:
- Loose brackets or broken wires: If a bracket or wire comes loose or breaks, contact our office as soon as possible. In the meantime, use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges that might irritate your child’s mouth.
- Soreness or irritation: It’s normal for your child to experience some discomfort after getting braces or switching to a new set of aligners. However, if the soreness persists or becomes severe, please reach out to us.
- Lost aligners: If your child loses an aligner, let us know right away. In most cases, we can replace it or advise your child to wear the previous set until a new one is available.
Final Thoughts: Supporting Your Child Through Treatment
Caring for your child’s braces or aligners may seem like a lot of work at first, but with the right guidance, it will quickly become second nature. By following these tips and encouraging a positive routine, you’ll help your child maintain great oral health and ensure their treatment stays on track.
At Simple Orthodontics, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Together, we’ll help your child achieve the smile of their dreams!
