Cleaning braces when you are using rubber bands involves managing the hygiene of both the braces and the bands themselves. The most effective approach, as suggested by orthodontic practices, is to remove the elastic bands when eating and cleaning, clean both the teeth/braces and the bands separately, and then reattach clean bands.
When you have braces and are required to wear elastic rubber bands (also known as interarch elastics or orthodontic elastics), proper cleaning is crucial for maintaining oral health and ensuring your treatment progresses smoothly. The primary method involves removing the bands for cleaning.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Remove the Rubber Bands
Before eating or cleaning your teeth, always remove the elastic bands. This allows you to properly brush and floss your teeth and clean your braces effectively without the bands getting in the way. The provided reference suggests taking your elastics out when eating and reattaching them after you've brushed your teeth at the end of your meal to keep them clean.
2. Clean Your Braces and Teeth
Once the bands are removed:
- Brush Thoroughly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth and braces. Pay special attention to the areas around brackets and wires where food particles and plaque can accumulate. Angle your brush above, below, and directly on the brackets.
- Floss Daily: Flossing is essential to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and under the wires. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss specifically designed for braces to navigate around the wires.
- Use an Interdental Brush (Optional): A small interdental brush can be very helpful for cleaning in tight spots between brackets and wires.
3. Clean the Rubber Bands (Optional but Recommended)
While you will typically replace elastics with new ones as instructed by your orthodontist (usually daily or multiple times a day), you can also clean the ones you remove before potentially putting them back in temporarily (though using new ones is generally preferred for optimal tension and hygiene).
According to the reference, you can clean your rubber bands before putting them back in with a mild, non-alcoholic mouthwash or rinse them with water so they're fresh.
- Rinse with Water: A simple rinse under running water can remove visible debris.
- Mild Mouthwash: Swishing the removed bands in a small amount of mild, non-alcoholic mouthwash can help freshen them.
Important Note: Rubber bands lose their elasticity over time and need to be replaced frequently according to your orthodontist's instructions. Cleaning them is more about temporary freshness than restoring their function or ensuring deep sterilization. Always follow your orthodontist's guidance on how often to change your elastics.
4. Reattach Clean or New Rubber Bands
After you have finished eating and thoroughly cleaned your teeth and braces, reattach clean or, preferably, new rubber bands following the specific pattern your orthodontist showed you. The reference mentions reattaching them after you've brushed your teeth at the end of your meal. Using fresh bands ensures consistent force for effective tooth movement and maintains better hygiene.
Summary Steps for Cleaning with Rubber Bands:
- Remove elastics before eating or brushing.
- Brush and floss your teeth and braces meticulously.
- (Optional) Clean the removed bands with water or mild, non-alcoholic mouthwash.
- Reattach new elastics or the cleaned ones as instructed by your orthodontist.
Following this routine helps keep your braces, teeth, and elastics clean, promoting oral health throughout your orthodontic treatment.
