Just imagine: your orthodontist finally removes your braces and holds up the mirror to reveal perfectly straight teeth…filled with cavities! Don’t let this nightmare happen to you, clean your braces care.

Step 1: Consult orthodontist

Consult your orthodontist for any specific brushing and flossing instructions, as well products recommendations.

Step 2: Remove rubber bands

If you use rubber bands, remove them from your braces before you brush.

Step 3: Brush often

Brush your teeth at least four times a day, and after every meal, with a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Step 4: Brush in circles

Brush in small circles, wiggling the brush around the contours and crevices of the braces, spending about 10-15 seconds on each tooth.

Step 5: Brush all over

Brush your gums, the roof of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks.

Step 6: Rinse mouth

Rinse your mouth thoroughly with mouthwash or water after brushing.

Step 7: Floss

Floss at least once a day with 18 inches of waxed floss.

Step 8: Thread floss

Thread the floss under the main wire and between two teeth.

Step 9: Floss up & down

Move the floss up and down along the sides of each of the teeth.

Step 10: Continue flossing

Continue threading and flossing until you’ve cleaned between each tooth and behind the last tooth.

Step 11: Rinse mouth again

Rinse your mouth again with mouthwash or water.

Step 12: Replace rubber bands

Replace any rubber bands, and remind yourself that one day this all be history—and you’ll have beautiful teeth to show for it.