How to Clean Your Teeth with Braces

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Last updated 07/23/26 Share

Cleaning Different Kinds of Braces
FAQs
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Even if you wear braces, you can, and should, brush and floss your teeth consistently. Maintain a good oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing to keep your teeth looking their best, and they’ll look even better when your braces are removed.

Cleaning Different Kinds of Braces

In order to properly clean around braces, it can be helpful to know some of the most common types.

Brackets: Most brackets are made of either stainless steel or a clear or tooth-colored plastic. The brackets are usually attached to the fronts of the teeth and a wire is passed through each one and adjusted by the orthodontist to provide the correct pressure.
Lingual Brackets: These brackets are placed on the inside (tongue-facing side) of the teeth so they are not visible. However, they can be more difficult to keep clean.
Traditional bands: These types of braces involve a metal band wrapped around each tooth to which the bracket is secured, but this style is rarely used today.

No matter what type of braces you have, the goal is the same—to apply constant pressure over time to move your teeth into correct alignment. Use floss threader or an orthodontic floss with a built-in tongue threader to help thread the floss under the main wire of the braces.

In addition, you can maintain your dental health while you’re wearing braces by using an interdental cleaner as an alternative to a standard toothbrush.

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Taking Care of Your Braces

New wearers often report a “full-mouth” feeling, as though the dentures are too big and pushing the lips forward. This feeling will diminish as you adjust to wearing dentures.

Questions About Braces

Here are some common questions about braces and their answers to help you understand what to expect during your orthodontic treatment.

What You Can and Can't Eat with Braces

Denture adhesive is a non-toxic, water-soluble material that is placed between the denture and the tissues in your mouth to enhance the normal physiological forces that hold dentures in place.

How to Brush Your Teeth and Floss With Braces

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How often should I brush with braces?

You should brush with braces at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, such as one with stannous fluoride, and clean between your teeth every day. Brushing after meals or snacks when possible can also help remove food and plaque around brackets and wires.

How do I get rid of yellow stains around my brackets?

To help reduce yellow stains around braces brackets, brush carefully around each bracket and clean between teeth with tools like a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser. Rinse with water after stain-causing foods and drinks, and ask your orthodontist or dentist about professional cleaning options if stains persist.

What is the best way to floss with braces?

The best way to floss with braces is to guide floss under the wire using a floss threader, then gently clean between each tooth and along the gum line. You can also ask your dental professional about other tools, like an interdental brush or water flosser, to help clean around brackets and wires.

What happens if you don't brush your teeth with braces?

If you do not brush your teeth while wearing braces, plaque and food can build up around brackets and wires. This can increase the risk of cavities, gum irritation, white spots on teeth, and bad breath. Good brushing and cleaning between teeth can help protect your teeth and gums throughout orthodontic treatment.

How do I clean under the wires of my braces?

To clean under the wires of your braces, use a floss threader to guide floss under the archwire, then gently clean between teeth and along the gum line. An interdental brush or water flosser can also help clean around brackets, wires, and hard-to-reach areas. Use gentle pressure to avoid damaging your braces.

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