How do I care for my brace or retainer?

This means following a daily dental hygiene routine which includes brushing and flossing your teeth, using a mouthwash and reducing your sugar intake.

If you have a fixed brace then you will have to ensure that your gum area and the areas around your brace are cleaned on a regular basis.

If you have a removable brace or retainer then this can be taken out of your mouth to be cleaned. There are special toothbrushes and tools to do so. Food particles can become trapped underneath the brackets or the archwire and it is important that these are removed as soon as possible.

These toothbrushes include interdental brushes, dental floss, electric toothbrushes and antiseptic mouthwashes.

A good way of cleaning your brace is to hold it carefully over a sink full of water and brush away any debris. Then rinse it after this brushing.

And, don’t forget to visit your dentist for regular check ups.

Learn more about orthodontics….

Orthodontics Index:

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• What is an orthodontist?
• What is ‘malocclusion?’
• Why orthodontic treatment?
• Can adults have orthodontic treatment?
• What is a ‘brace?’
• What does orthodontic treatment involve?
• Will I have to have teeth removed?
• How long does the treatment take?
• Does it hurt?
• Do I have to pay for this treatment?

• How do I care for my brace or retainer?
• What is ‘headgear for braces?’



Types of Orthodontic Braces

• Invisalign braces
• Lingual braces
• Inman Aligners
• Damon braces
• Invu braces
• 6 month smiles braces

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