Brushing with braces isn’t rocket science, but it does take a little more game-time strategy. Think of it like timing your exit from Werner Park after fireworks: there’s a method if you want to avoid chaos! But keeping things fresh doesn’t mean brushing six times a day. With a little local flavor and a few pro tips from Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres at Hawley Orthodontics, your daily routine can stay simple, effective, and even kind of satisfying. Let’s start with the tools that make brushing easier.
Tools That Help You Brush Like a Pro
Every artist needs the right tools, and keeping braces clean is no different. Regular toothbrushes still work, but adding a few extras can help reach the trickier spots around wires and brackets.
Here’s what to keep on hand:
- Electric toothbrush (provided by Hawley Orthodontics) – Gentle on your brackets, but strong enough to sweep away the sticky stuff.
- Interdental brushes (aka proxy brushes) – These tiny power players slide between brackets and wires like pros.
- Non-whitening fluoride toothpaste – Adds an extra layer of cavity protection (especially helpful when brushing time gets rushed.)
- Floss threaders or ortho flossers – Makes weaving under wires way easier, especially for teens on the go!
- Mouthwash – a one-minute rinse, twice a day, can help wash away what your brush didn’t catch.
Papillion patients often tell the Hawley Orthodontics team that once they stock up on the right tools, brushing feels less like a hassle and easily fits into their routine.
Next, let’s walk through what good brushing technique actually looks like when braces are part of the picture.
Brush Smarter (Not Harder)
Whether you’re rocking self-ligating metal braces or the clear ceramic kind, your brushing technique matters just as much as your bracket style. In fact, braces add a few new hiding spots for food and bacteria, so brushing takes a little more attention to detail. Luckily, it’s not complicated once you know what to look for. Here’s how to make each brush session count:
Start at the gumline
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use small circles to gently clean along the edge where gums meet teeth. This helps keep your gums healthy while brushing away buildup around the brackets.
Brush above and below each bracket
Instead of scrubbing across the surface, focus on cleaning just above and just below the braces. It only takes a few extra seconds per tooth, but it makes a big difference.
Don’t forget the chewing surfaces
Molars, especially, can hold onto food particles, so give them a thorough once-over.
Clean the inside, too
The tongue-side of your teeth (inside) might not have brackets, but it’s just as important. Same angle, same small circles.
Now that you’ve got the technique down, let’s zoom out a bit: when should you actually be brushing, and why does timing make a difference?
When to Brush And Why It Matters
So you’ve got the right tools in hand and a solid technique, now what? When you brush matters just as much as how you brush, especially with braces in the mix.
Here’s a simple routine many patients follow:
- Morning: Right after breakfast (especially after snacks from Jimmy’s Egg or happy hour at Sauced), to start your day fresh.
- After meals/snacks: A brush and rinse after lunch or snacking keeps plaque from setting fast.
- Evening: This is most important. Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres recommend a careful, two-minute brush before bed to clear the day’s buildup. (Don’t forget to floss!)
What if you’re out enjoying summer at Papio Bay or grabbing ice cream at Graley’s and have no access to a sink? Just rinse with water or use an interdental brush to hold the line.
Even with the right tools, technique, and timing, a few warning signs can still sneak in (especially between appointments). Let’s look at what to keep an eye (or nose) out for between brushings.
When Brushing Needs Backup
Your brushing game might be solid, but even the best routines can miss a spot now and then. That’s why it helps to stay on the lookout for small signs that your teeth (or your breath) might be asking for a little backup. Here are a few red flags to watch for:
Persistent bad breath
If your breath could clear the Runza drive-thru faster than your food arrives, it might be time to reevaluate.
Gums that look puffy or bleed easily
This is a sign that plaque might be hanging out too long.
Food that keeps getting trapped
Especially in the same spot, even after brushing.
The fix isn’t always a full routine overhaul; it might be a small tweak in your angle, pressure, or tools. Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres love helping patients problem-solve early, so things stay smooth at home and at your next visit.
Brushing helps most, but regular check-ins with Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres give you an extra set of expert eyes. Let’s talk about how those visits play into the bigger picture.
Your Check-In Crew: Why Office Visits Still Matter
Even if you’re brushing like a champ, nothing replaces expert eyes checking in at Hawley Orthodontics on every visit. These appointments serve as your routine pit stop: efficient, supportive, and tailored to your treatment path.
Here’s what happens when you come in:
- Your progress is monitored every four to eight weeks, depending on whether you wear self‑ligating metal or clear braces.
- Dr. Hawley or Dr. Torres examines your brackets and wires, making adjustments if needed and spotting any plaque hotspots before they become issues.
- Personalized tips from the team help fine‑tune brushing and flossing based on how your teeth are responding.
- These visits support your timeline—staying on schedule with check‑ins avoids delays and helps treatment run smoothly.
Think of your visits to Hawley Orthodontics as your smile’s support system, there to catch the small stuff early and keep things simple, smooth, and stress-free!
Your Smile’s Summer MVP
Brushing with braces might take a little extra effort, but with these tips from Hawley Orthodontics, you’ve got this! Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres want your smile to keep up with every laugh, bite, and selfie this summer has to offer. Questions? Curious if you’re brushing the right way? Come see us in Omaha or Papillion for a free consultation, and let’s keep those brackets sparkling.