Orthodontic Care

It’s important that you continue to practice good oral hygiene while wearing braces, aligners, or retainers. We also recommend reducing how much sugar you eat and drink. This will help reduce your risk of cavities and other oral health issues during orthodontic treatment.

Follow our daily care instructions from our orthodontists in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and surrounding areas to maintain a healthy smile during treatment.

For Metal and Clear Ceramic Braces

  • Brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal.
  • Floss once a day. You can use a floss threader to get under the archwire.
  • Ask your dentist or orthodontist if you need a fluoride rinse.
  • Continue seeing your dentist for preventive care.
  • Avoid foods that are sticky and/or hard to chew, which can damage your braces.
  • Avoid staining foods and drinks, which can stain clear ceramic braces.

For Invisalign® Aligners

  • Wear your Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours per day.
  • Brush your teeth for two minutes every time you eat or drink anything other than water to avoid staining your clear aligners and reduce your risk of cavities.
  • Floss once a day.
  • Ask your dentist or orthodontist if you need a fluoride rinse.
  • Continue seeing your dentist for preventive care.
  • Store your aligners in their ventilated case when you’re not wearing them. The case will help prevent damage or loss. The ventilation will help prevent mold and bacteria growth.
  • Gently brush your aligners with your toothbrush and cool water twice a day. You may also use the Invisalign Cleaning System.

For Retainers

  • Take out your retainer to eat.
  • Store your retainer in its ventilated case. The case will prevent damage or loss. The ventilation will help prevent mold and bacteria growth.
  • Gently brush your retainer with your toothbrush and cool water twice a day.
  • Soak your retainer in a denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist.
  • Do NOT put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher. Boiling water can warp and damage your retainer.
  • Continue seeing your dentist for preventive care.

Call Parrish Orthodontics With Any Questions

Our orthodontists in Fort Wayne, IN, and surrounding areas are dedicated to serving patients in eight convenient locations. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our offices. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.

Want to Learn More About Daily Orthodontic Care?

Check out some of our blog posts about daily care.