CarolinasDentist Blog

How to Deep Clean Teeth with Braces

Brunette woman with ceramic braces smiles white in a city square

Getting braces can be a bit of an adjustment. You’ll need to make small changes to your routine. This includes adapting your daily oral hygiene routine and some dietary choices. But braces are a commitment that will pay off. If you take great care of your braces and teeth, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, straight smile. Here are some simple tips on how you can keep your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment.

Cleaning Teeth with Invisalign®

With Invisalign, you’ll receive clear, discreet trays that work daily to straighten your teeth. One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that you remove the trays while eating and cleaning your teeth. This means that your daily oral hygiene routine doesn’t need to change much with Invisalign clear aligner therapy:

Continue to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush twice a day for two minutes each time and to floss daily. But in addition to these standard practices, rinse your mouth with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating and drinking before putting your aligners back in, and be sure to keep your Invisalign trays clean by following any directions our team gives you.

Cleaning Teeth with Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are made of ceramic or metal brackets and wire. For the duration of your treatment, they cover a portion of the front of your teeth. Thus, you’ll need to modify how you brush and floss your teeth. Here are a few tips:

To start, rinse your mouth with water before brushing. A water flosser equipped with an orthodontic head is an incredibly helpful tool for removing debris and food particles from around your brackets before brushing. An electric toothbrush is another tool that can simplify the brushing process. With either a manual or electric toothbrush, we recommend dividing your mouth into four sections and brushing each quadrant for 30 seconds. Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and brush gently above, below, and between your brackets in circular motions, as well as the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Consider using an interdental brush to get to any hard-to-reach places. For flossing, we recommend using a floss threader device to easily get the string floss under the wire. And lastly, rinsing with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash is a great way to freshen breath, prevent plaque buildup on teeth, and promote healthy gums.

Ask Us All Your Oral Hygiene Questions!

Contact us if you have any additional questions about how to care for your teeth while you undergo orthodontic treatment. We would be happy to address concerns you may have about your new dental care routine and help you successfully adjust to wearing braces.

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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