Orthodontist in London, ON. Personalized orthodontic care including clear aligners and braces for children, teens, and adults.

Clear aligners are designed to be invisible — and they stay that way only if you keep them clean.
If they get dirty or stained, that “invisible” advantage disappears… fast.

Here’s the simple system to keep your aligners fresh, clear, and bacteria-free

Why Cleaning Matters

Dirty aligners can trap bacteria, causing:

• Bad breath

• Tooth decay

• Stains and discoloration

A clean routine protects both your smile and your treatment results.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Clean your aligners twice a day:

Morning

• Remove aligners

• Floss and Brush your teeth

• Gently brush the aligners

Evening

• Repeat the same process before bed

This removes overnight bacteria and keeps odors away.

Brushing and flossing with braces takes a little extra care — but once you learn the routine, it becomes second nature.
Because brackets and wires create more places for food and plaque to hide, consistency is everything.

Here’s the simple system we recommend:

Step 1: Use the Right Tools

• Floss threader or Superfloss — to pass floss under the wire

• Soft-bristled toothbrush — manual or electric

• Interdental (proxy) brush — cleans around brackets and under wires

• Water flosser (optional but highly recommended) — excellent for removing trapped food

Step 2: How to Floss with Braces

Flossing is the most important step for preventing cavities and white spots.

• Thread the floss under the main wire using a floss threader or Superfloss

• Gently move it up and down along both teeth

• Be gentle — don’t snap the floss or pull on the wire

Step 3: Smart Brushing Technique

Try to brush after every meal.

1. Rinse first with water

2. Brush at a 45° angle toward the gums using small circular motions

3. Use the “three-way” method:

   • Brush downward from the top of each bracket

   • Brush upward from the bottom

   • Brush flat surfaces and the backs of teeth

4. Finish with the proxy brush under the wire between brackets

Pro Tips for Success

• Mirror test: Your brackets should look shiny, not fuzzy

• Fluoride rinse (at night): Strengthens enamel where brushes can’t reach

• Carry a kit: Travel toothbrush + proxy brushes for school or work

Clean braces = healthy teeth + faster, better results.

Getting braces is a big step — and yes, your teeth will likely feel tender for the first 2–4 days.
The golden rule: stick to soft foods that require little to no chewing.

Here’s your simple survival guide 

Best Foods for the First 24–48 Hours

These are your safest choices while soreness is at its peak:

• Smoothies & milkshakes
  Cold helps soothe sore gums. (Avoid straws if you’ve had extractions and skip crunchy add-ins.)

• Yogurt & pudding
  Easy to eat, high in protein and calcium.

• Mashed potatoes
  Filling and customizable with butter, cheese, or gravy.

• Soups & broths
  Tomato, squash, creamy chicken — make sure everything is very soft.

• Applesauce
  All the fruit, none of the crunch.

Soft Solid Foods (When You Start Feeling Better)

As soreness fades, you can add:

• Scrambled eggs

• Pasta & mac & cheese (cook slightly past al dente)

• Flaky fish (salmon, tuna, tilapia) or very tender chicken/meat

• Soft grains (oatmeal, cream of wheat, well-cooked rice)

• Pancakes (soft, skip crispy edges)

Foods to Avoid (Protect Your Brackets)

These can loosen or break brackets:

• Hard: ice, nuts, hard candies, taco shells

• Sticky: caramel, taffy, gummy bears, gum

• Crunchy: popcorn, chips, pretzels

• Foods you must bite into: whole apples, raw carrots, corn on the cob

Pro Tip: You can still enjoy many of these — just cut them into small pieces and chew with your back teeth.

Eat smart = fewer broken brackets = faster treatment.
Your future smile will thank you.