How often should I brush while I have braces?

Your Norlane dentist usually suggests brushing at least four times a day — after breakfast, lunch and dinner, and again before bed. Your dentist will tailor this advice to your treatment.

Do I still need to see my dentist while wearing braces?

Yes. Routine check-ups and cleans help you stay ahead of cavities, gum problems and other issues — and they matter more than ever while you’re in braces.

Orthodontics · Caring for braces

Caring for your braces.

Braces gently guide your teeth and jaws into healthier alignment — and they also create new spaces where plaque can gather. A little daily care keeps your teeth, gums and appliances in good shape throughout treatment.

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Orthodontic aftercare Daily cleaning Gentle technique Mealtime habits Routine check-ups Norlane · since 1974 Orthodontic aftercare Daily cleaning Gentle technique Mealtime habits Routine check-ups Norlane · since 1974

Aftercare · Hygiene · Geelong

Orthodontics

Braces are appliances that gently guide your teeth and jaws into healthier alignment — but they also create more places for plaque to gather around brackets, wires and the gumline.

That makes thoughtful oral hygiene, and careful cleaning of the braces themselves, an important part of every day. Cleaning your appliances well helps reduce the chance of gum problems and tooth decay, and keeps your mouth feeling healthy throughout treatment.

Your Norlane dentist may recommend specific products to help you clean around your braces — used as directed, it soon becomes a quick, easy habit and a natural part of your routine. If you wear a removable appliance, take it out and clean it with a toothbrush and water each night before bed.

Norlane Dental

Orthodontic care

How to clean your braces

A daily cleaning rhythm.

The position of your teeth and jaws affects your bite — how your upper and lower teeth come together. When the upper and lower teeth don't meet together properly, this is called a malocclusion, or a "bad bite."

Missing, crooked, crowded or protruding teeth can contribute to a bad bite, and habits such as thumb-sucking may also play a part. A bad bite can make some foods harder to chew and may contribute to teeth wearing down over time, as well as muscle tension. Teeth that stick out can chip or break more easily, and crowded or crooked teeth are harder to keep clean — which may make cavities and gum problems more likely. Addressing a bad bite is something we assess for each person individually.

Before you start

Take off any removable bands, straps or headgear, and keep your pressure light around the wires and brackets.

01.

Angle the brush

Place your brush at 45° against the gumline and use gentle side-to-side strokes — about ten seconds per tooth.

02.

Inside & out

Repeat the same gentle technique along the inner and outer surfaces and gumlines, one tooth at a time.

03.

Chewing surfaces

Brush every chewing surface, including the back teeth, so nothing is missed.

04.

Around the brackets

Brush around each bracket from top to bottom, then in reverse — without pressing hard on the wires.

05.

Removable appliances

If you wear removable appliances, clean them with a toothbrush and water each night before bed.

Brushing alone won’t keep braces completely clean — your dentist can show you the extra cleaning steps and tools that suit your appliance.

— Eating & everyday habits —

Small changes, day to day.

Certain foods can damage brackets and wires, and mean a return visit for repairs. A few simple swaps protect your braces while you eat — and a handful of habits help keep treatment on track.

01.

At the table

Eating & drinking

Skip chewing gum.
Go easy on sweet and acidic drinks.
Cut hard fruit and firm foods into smaller pieces before eating.
Keep sugary foods to a minimum.
Avoid hard and sticky lollies.

02.

Day to day

Everyday habits

See your Norlane dentist for adjustments as needed.
Wear a mouthguard for sport and active pastimes.
Carry a toothbrush so you can clean your braces when you’re out.

It can feel like a lot at first, but caring for your braces soon becomes second nature — and looking after your teeth now supports your smile well beyond the day they come off. Individual results vary.

Good to know

Common questions.

A few of the things Geelong families want to understand before their first visit. If yours isn't here, our team is happy to talk it through.

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Begin the conversation

Caring for your smile, together.

Have a question about looking after your braces, or thinking about orthodontic treatment? Speak with our Norlane team — we’ll talk through what’s involved and find a time that suits you.

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Call (03) 5278 2666

Complimentary first orthodontic consultation

Location

Norlane Dental Aesthetics & Implants

21 Princes Highway
Norlane VIC 3214

Direct line

(03) 5278 2666

Reception is happy to help with enquiries and appointments

Hours

Mon – Thu · 8:30am – 6:30pm
Fri · 8:30am – 5:30pm
Sat · 8:30am – 4:00pm

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