Fresh Breath and Confidence: Your Guide for Braces and Invisalign

Starting your path to a bright smile with braces or Invisalign is exciting! But many people worry about bad breath during treatment. You’re not alone in this concern. At Indigo Orthodontics in Columbia, SC, we want to help you keep your breath fresh while your smile gets better. This guide from Dr. Mallory Scott will help you maintain fresh breath throughout your treatment.

Why Fresh Breath Matters for Your Treatment

Having fresh breath helps you feel confident whether you’re at work, with friends, or just relaxing. During orthodontic treatment, your mouth needs extra care. Food, plaque, and germs can build up around braces or aligners, causing bad smells and possible health problems. We believe a clean, fresh mouth helps your treatment work better.

Fresh Breath Challenges: Braces vs. Invisalign

Both braces and Invisalign create different challenges for keeping your breath fresh.

Braces Challenges:

Food gets stuck in brackets and wires, which can grow germs
Plaque sticks to the extra surfaces braces create
Regular brushing and flossing is harder with braces, leaving some spots missed

Invisalign Challenges:

Aligners can trap moisture and germs against your teeth if not cleaned well
Wearing aligners 22+ hours daily can make any bad smells worse
Some people get dry mouth with Invisalign, which can cause bad breath

Tips for Fresh Breath from Indigo Orthodontics

We don’t just straighten teeth; we help you keep your whole mouth healthy.

For People with Braces:

Brush carefully after every meal using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Spend at least two minutes cleaning around all brackets and wires.
Use small interdental brushes to clean between brackets and wires.
Always floss using a floss threader or water flosser to remove food and plaque between teeth.
Use antibacterial mouthwash with fluoride to reduce germs and freshen breath.
Carry a travel toothbrush for quick cleaning after meals.
Drink plenty of water to wash away food bits and prevent dry mouth.

For People with Invisalign:

Clean your aligners well: Rinse with warm water after taking them out and gently brush them with a soft brush (don’t use toothpaste!). You can use Invisalign cleaning crystals or mild denture cleaner.
Brush and floss your teeth before putting aligners back in.
Be careful with foods and drinks that cause strong smells, like coffee, onions, and garlic.
Use a tongue scraper to remove germs from your tongue for extra freshness.
Drink enough water to prevent dry mouth.

Indigo Orthodontics in Columbia, SC: Your Helper for Orthodontic Success

At Indigo Orthodontics, we’re more than just orthodontists; we’re your partners in getting a healthy, confident smile. We understand how hard it can be to keep fresh breath during treatment and want to give you personal care and good advice.

Ready for Fresh Breath and a Bright Smile?

Don’t let bad breath stop you from enjoying your orthodontic journey. Contact us to schedule a visit. We’ll help you learn the best ways to keep fresh breath and make sure your smile stays bright during treatment. Let us help you get the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve!