Starting your journey with Six Month Smiles is an exciting step towards a straighter, more confident smile. This discreet, fast-acting orthodontic system is a great choice for adults looking to improve the alignment of their front teeth without the fuss of traditional metal braces.
Although Six Month Smiles braces are designed to fit in comfortably with your daily life, it’s still important to give your teeth and gums the care they need throughout treatment. After all, you’re investing in your smile, so keeping your mouth healthy during this time will help you achieve the best possible results.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to care for your teeth during treatment with Six Month Smiles, along with helpful tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
Why Oral Hygiene Is So Important During Treatment
During orthodontic treatment, your teeth are gently guided into new positions using small tooth-coloured brackets and wires. As effective as this system is, the presence of braces means there are more areas where plaque and food particles can become trapped.
If not cleaned properly, these buildups can lead to problems like:
- Gum inflammation or bleeding
- Tooth decay
- White spots or permanent marks on the enamel
- Bad breath
The good news? With the right techniques, tools, and support, it’s entirely possible to maintain excellent oral hygiene while wearing Six Month Smiles, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Brush Thoroughly Twice a Day
Brushing is your first line of defence against plaque, especially when you’re wearing braces. We recommend brushing at least twice a day for two minutes, ideally after meals if possible.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste, and make sure to brush:
- Along the gumline
- Around each bracket
- Carefully along the wires
- All areas of each tooth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces
You may find it helpful to use a small interdental or orthodontic toothbrush, which makes it easier to clean around brackets and between teeth.
Use Interdental Brushes or Floss Daily
Flossing can be tricky with fixed braces, but it’s essential for cleaning between your teeth and along the gumline where your toothbrush might miss.
You can use:
- Interdental brushes (small brushes designed to fit between teeth)
- Floss threaders (to guide floss under the wire)
- Orthodontic floss (precut pieces with a stiffened end for easy threading)
We can show you how to use these tools at your appointment. It may take a little practice at first, but it becomes second nature in no time.
Consider a Water Flosser
If you’re looking for an easier way to clean around braces, a water flosser can be a great investment. It uses a gentle stream of water to dislodge food and plaque between teeth and around brackets.
While it doesn’t replace traditional flossing entirely, it can be a helpful addition to your routine, especially if your gums are sensitive or you find flossing awkward.
Use Fluoride Mouthwash Daily
Adding a fluoride mouthwash to your daily routine gives your enamel extra protection during treatment. Swishing once a day (preferably at a different time from brushing) can help reduce the risk of decay and keep your breath fresh.
We’ll recommend a mouthwash that’s suitable for use with braces — just be sure to wait 30 minutes after brushing before rinsing to allow the fluoride in your toothpaste to work effectively.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
While there are no drastic dietary restrictions with Six Month Smiles, it’s wise to be mindful of the types of foods and drinks you consume during treatment.
To avoid damaging your braces or causing buildup around brackets:
Avoid:
- Very hard or sticky foods (like toffees, popcorn, nuts, or crusty bread)
- Biting into whole apples or carrots (cut them into small pieces instead)
- Excessive sugary or acidic drinks (such as fizzy drinks, fruit juice, or wine)
Do:
- Rinse your mouth or brush after eating
- Drink water regularly to help flush away debris
- Choose tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, plain yoghurt, or fruit cut into small pieces
Your new smile is worth the extra care, and you’ll get used to your new habits surprisingly quickly!
Attend All Scheduled Appointments
Your Six Month Smiles appointments are a key part of treatment success. We’ll monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments to your braces, and check that your teeth and gums are staying healthy.
Missing or delaying appointments could extend your treatment time or compromise your results. If you’re ever unsure about an appointment or experiencing discomfort, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Protect Your Smile During Sports
If you play contact sports, it’s essential to wear a custom mouthguard to protect your braces (and your teeth!) from injury.
Let us know if you’re active in sports, and we can create a mouthguard that fits comfortably over your Six Month Smiles braces, giving you peace of mind while you play.
Don’t Ignore Discomfort or Breakages
It’s normal to feel some mild discomfort when your braces are first fitted or adjusted — this usually settles within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief, saltwater rinses, or orthodontic wax can all help soothe irritation.
However, if a bracket comes loose, a wire starts to poke, or you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, give us a ring straight away. The sooner we fix the issue, the less likely it is to affect your treatment progress.
Keep Up with Dental Hygiene Appointments
During orthodontic treatment, your risk of gum disease and tooth decay can increase, which is why regular hygiene appointments are more important than ever.
Our dental hygienists are specially trained to clean around your braces, remove stubborn plaque and tartar, and keep your mouth feeling fresh. They’ll also give you tailored advice to support your home routine.
Enjoy the Journey – It’s Worth It!
Six Month Smiles is designed to deliver noticeable results quickly and discreetly, and the vast majority of patients complete treatment within nine months.
While the time may fly by, this is still a big commitment, and taking great care of your teeth during this period ensures that your new smile will be healthier, stronger, and more radiant when the braces come off.
Six Month Smiles at Yor Dental
At Yor Dental, we’re proud to offer Six Month Smiles as part of our commitment to modern, patient-centred care. Our experienced team is here to support you at every stage of your treatment, from fitting your braces and guiding you on hygiene to celebrating your beautiful new smile at the end.
We take the time to answer your questions, tailor advice to your lifestyle, and make sure you feel confident throughout the process.
If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth and want fast, discreet results, Six Month Smiles could be the ideal option for you. Contact us today to book your initial consultation.