Spring is the perfect time to refresh your routine—including your oral hygiene! Whether you’re wearing braces or clear aligners, keeping your smile clean is essential for a healthy, confident grin. Just like you declutter your home, your braces or aligners need some extra attention to stay fresh. Here are some simple spring cleaning tips to keep your orthodontic treatment on track.
1. Refresh Your Brushing & Flossing Routine
✅ Upgrade Your Toothbrush – If you’ve been using the same toothbrush for months, now is the time to replace it! Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush for better plaque removal.
✅ Floss Daily – If you wear braces, use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to get between brackets and wires. For aligner users, flossing keeps your teeth stain-free and your breath fresh.
✅ Try a Water Flosser – A water flosser (like a Waterpik) is great for removing food particles and plaque from around your braces or between teeth if you’re wearing aligners.
2. Deep Clean Your Aligners or Retainers
If you’re using clear aligners or retainers, they need regular cleaning to prevent staining and odor.
🌀 Soak them daily – Use aligner cleaning crystals or a mixture of warm water and mild soap to remove buildup.
🚫 Avoid toothpaste – Toothpaste can scratch the surface of your aligners, making them look cloudy.
🚿 Use a soft brush – A gentle scrub with a soft toothbrush helps remove bacteria and plaque.
3. Check for Wear & Tear
👀 Braces: Look for loose brackets or poking wires, and schedule an adjustment if needed.
🦷 Aligners or Retainers: If they feel loose, cracked, or discolored, it may be time for a replacement.
💡 Pro Tip: Members of the Forever Aligned Club can replace their retainers easily and at a discounted price!
4. Watch What You Eat
🥦 Braces: Avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods that can damage brackets and wires. Instead, opt for soft, braces-friendly snacks like yogurt, bananas, and smoothies.
🥤 Aligners: Take out your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water to prevent stains and damage.
5. Schedule a Spring Cleaning with Your Orthodontist
A professional cleaning can help remove hard-to-reach plaque and keep your teeth looking bright. If you have braces, a hygienist can clean around brackets and wires. If you’re using aligners, now is a great time to check your progress and see if you need a new set.
📅 Book your spring check-up at Carter Orthodontics today and keep your smile fresh all season long!
With a little spring cleaning for your smile, your braces or aligners will stay fresh, and your teeth will be healthy and beautiful. Need a new retainer or aligner set? Ask us about the Forever Aligned Club and how you can save on orthodontic aftercare!
🌸 Spring forward with a cleaner, brighter smile—schedule your appointment today! 😊
