Braces are amazing orthodontic appliances that can correct functional issues with your bite. However, once you are fitted with braces, you may find that you have a harder time keeping your teeth and gums clean due to metal arch-wires and brackets. While maintaining good oral hygiene will take a little more work, it'll be worth it. Here are three tools that will make it easier for you to maintain your oral health during your orthodontic treatment.

Water Flosser

A water flosser is an intra-oral device that releases a high-pressure stream of pulsating water. Although you may brush and floss regularly, it's easy to miss food debris in brackets. A water flosser can loosen this debris and plaque so that it's easier to remove with your toothbrush. It is common for people to have gingivitis and plaque after fixed oral appliances are placed, but one study found that water flossers, or water jets, could reduce plaque accumulation and bleeding.

Gum Stimulator

This is another good tool that can help dislodge debris that's caught between brackets and wires. These devices are made of a slim metal rod with a rubber wedge on the end. The rubber end can help to massage your gum tissue and improve circulation. The rubber tip has a fine enough point that it can slip between wires without damaging them. Conversely, if a water flosser isn't in your budget, then you can just opt for this tool since it's inexpensive and does a good job nudging out debris that you missed during brushing or flossing.

Floss Threader

Flossing is arguably harder than brushing when it comes to braces since you need to weave the thread between brackets. Ask your orthodontist about floss threaders or pick some up from the grocery store. As the name implies, this tool makes it easier to thread the floss through the arch-wire and between your brackets. If you don't use a floss threader, then your floss may be more prone to shredding and getting tangled in the braces.

Sonic Toothbrush

Both electric and sonic toothbrushes feature oscillating brush heads that spin and/or vibrate, but the main difference is that sonic toothbrushes rotate faster. While manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, and sonic toothbrushes all work well, one study found that sonic brushes were better at reducing gingivitis, plaque, and bleeding for some patients with fixed appliances. Ask your orthodontist about a recommendation for a sonic toothbrush and how to properly use it.

Reach out to an orthodontic clinic in your area for more details.