Small habits, steady progress.

Starting orthodontic treatment can feel exciting and a bit new. Small daily choices help treatment go smoothly and stay on schedule — these tips are practical whether you're in braces, clear aligners, or retainers, and focus on routine actions that protect your progress and support long-term results.

Brush and clean gently and often

Good oral hygiene supports healthy teeth and gums while your teeth move. Braces create extra places for food and plaque to collect, so brackets and wires need careful attention when you brush.

Brush twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, angling the brush to reach around brackets and along the gum line. Use an interdental brush for tight spots under wires, and floss with a floss threader or water flosser to clean between teeth and under archwires.

For clear aligners, remove trays before eating and brush your teeth before putting them back in. Rinse aligners with cool water and brush them gently once a day — avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. For removable retainers, clean them every day and follow any soaking instructions our team gives you.

Wear your aligners like clockwork

Clear aligners move teeth only when worn consistently. Aim for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only for meals, snacks, and brushing.

Carry your case whenever you leave home, and set alarms or use an app to remind yourself to switch trays on schedule. If an aligner feels tight, that usually means it's doing its job — if trays become loose or go missing often, call the office for advice. Small gaps in wear can slow progress and add time to treatment.

Eat for success, not stress

Food choices affect appliances and overall progress. With braces, avoid hard, sticky, and very crunchy foods, which can bend wires or loosen brackets. Cut firm fruits and raw vegetables into small pieces, and skip popcorn, hard candies, chewy sweets, and ice.

For aligners, take trays out before eating anything besides water, and brush your teeth before putting trays back in to reduce stains and bacteria buildup. Be mindful with coffee, tea, and dark sauces, since they can stain both teeth and clear trays.

Keep appointments and use virtual support

Regular checkups let our team monitor tooth movement and make needed adjustments, preventing small issues from becoming more complicated. If you can't come in, ask about virtual support — sending photos or a short video can help us assess an issue and recommend next steps. For urgent problems, call the office at (585) 205-7225 so our staff can advise you.

What daily wear looks like, by appliance

Little habits that protect results

Replace your toothbrush or electric brush head every three months, and keep an emergency kit with orthodontic wax, a small mirror, and your aligner case. Save any loose bracket or part and call the office rather than attempting home repairs. Expect mild soreness after adjustments or when starting a new aligner — soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief often help for a day or two. If pain becomes severe or doesn't improve, contact us for guidance.

We're here to support you at every stage. Call us at (585) 205-7225 to ask a quick question or schedule a visit.