Ultimate Guide to Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment
Good oral hygiene is always important, but it needs a little extra attention during orthodontic treatment. Braces can create additional areas where food and plaque collect, while clear aligners need to be kept clean alongside your teeth and gums. The good news is that looking after your teeth during treatment doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right routine, techniques and tools, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. In this guide, we cover how to brush and floss with braces or clear aligners, what products can help, the oral health problems to look out for and when to see your dentist or orthodontic team. Why Is Oral Hygiene So Important? Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that naturally builds up on your teeth. During orthodontic treatment, brackets, wires and clear aligner attachments can create additional areas for plaque and food to collect. Clear aligners can also hold plaque against the teeth if your teeth or aligners aren’t cleaned properly. Without effective brushing and cleaning between your teeth, plaque build-up can increase the risk of: Tooth decay Gum inflammation and gum disease Enamel demineralisation, which can appear as white marks on the teeth Bad breath Maintaining good oral hygiene helps keep your teeth and gums healthy while your orthodontic treatment progresses. How to Keep Your Teeth Clean With Clear Aligners Because clear aligners are removable, you can take them out to brush and floss your teeth as usual. It’s important to keep both your teeth and aligners clean throughout treatment, particularly before putting your aligners back in after eating or drinking anything other than water. Regular brushing and cleaning between your teeth helps prevent food and plaque from becoming trapped underneath your aligners, supporting healthy teeth and gums throughout treatment. How to Keep Your Teeth Clean With Braces Whether you’re wearing LightForce™ 3D Braces or traditional metal braces, keeping your teeth and braces clean requires a little extra attention. Food and plaque can collect around brackets and underneath wires, so it’s important to clean these areas thoroughly as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. When brushing, take your time around each bracket, paying particular attention to the areas above and below the brackets and along your gumline. Cleaning between your teeth each day is also important, using floss or other cleaning tools recommended by your orthodontic team. Flossing around braces can take some practice. If you’re finding it tricky, ask us at your next appointment and our team can show you techniques and tools that can make cleaning around your braces easier. How Your Diet Affects Oral Health During Orthodontic Treatment What you eat and drink can make a difference to your oral health during orthodontic treatment. Frequently consuming sugary or acidic foods and drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay and enamel demineralisation, particularly when plaque isn’t being removed effectively from around brackets, wires or attachments. You don’t need to completely avoid sugar, but limiting how often you have sugary or acidic foods and drinks can help protect your teeth. Water is the best choice for everyday hydration, alongside a balanced diet and a consistent brushing and flossing routine. If you’re wearing braces, you’ll also need to take a little extra care with hard, sticky and chewy foods, as these can damage brackets and wires. Read our guide to what to eat with braces for braces-friendly food ideas and tips on foods that may need to be avoided or modified. Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine During Orthodontic Treatment How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment? Good brushing habits are especially important during orthodontic treatment, as food and plaque can collect around brackets, wires and attachments. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, taking extra care to clean along the gumline and around your orthodontic appliance. If you wear braces, you may also find it helpful to brush after meals when possible to remove food caught around your brackets and wires. Take your time and make sure you’re reaching above, below and around each bracket rather than simply brushing over them. How Do You Floss With Braces? Flossing with braces can take a little more time, but there are several tools that can make cleaning between your teeth easier. Floss threaders and super floss can help you guide floss underneath your wire, while interdental brushes can be useful for cleaning around brackets and between teeth. A water flosser can also be a helpful addition to your routine for removing food and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. If you’re unsure which tools to use or how to floss effectively with your braces, ask our team at your next appointment. We can demonstrate different techniques and help you find an approach that works for you. Cleaning Between Your Teeth With Clear Aligners One benefit of removable clear aligners is that you can take them out to brush and floss your teeth as usual. Clean between your teeth every day, paying particular attention to areas where food or plaque may collect. Before putting your aligners back in, make sure your teeth are clean and your aligners have been cleaned as recommended. This helps prevent food and plaque from becoming trapped between your teeth and aligners. FAQs How often should I brush my teeth with braces?We recommend brushing twice daily for 2 minutes at a time. You may also find it helpful to brush after meals to dislodge any food particles stuck in your brackets or wires. Can you use an electric toothbrush with braces?Yes, an electric toothbrush can generally be used with braces. Your orthodontic team can advise you on brushing techniques for your appliance. How do you floss with braces?Floss threaders, orthodontic floss, interdental brushes and water flossers can make cleaning around brackets and wires easier. Do I still need dental cleans while I have braces?Yes. Continue attending your regular dentist for check-ups and professional cleans as recommended. What happens if you don’t
Travelling with Clear Aligners: Essential Tips
Travelling with clear aligners takes a little extra planning, but your treatment routine can come with you. Whether you’re heading overseas, taking a weekend trip or travelling for work, packing the right essentials and knowing what to do if something goes wrong can make looking after your aligners while away much simpler. From flying with clear aligners to keeping them clean and knowing what to do if you lose a tray, here are our practical tips for travelling during clear aligner treatment. What Should You Do Before Travelling With Clear Aligners? A few simple checks before you leave will save stress later. Confirm your wear schedule and next change date. Set reminders in your phone so time zones do not throw you off. Pack extra aligners if advised. If you are due to change mid-trip, bring the current set and the next set in their labelled packets. Keep packaging for reference. Take recent progress photos in your Dental Monitoring app before you go. This creates a clear baseline if we need to advise you while you are away. Add our clinic details in your phone. If you are a regular traveller, let us know so we can plan remote check-ins. If you are early in treatment or approaching a key stage, ask whether a quick in-clinic check is helpful before you depart. What to Pack When Travelling With Clear Aligners Create a small, easy-to-reach kit for flights, road trips and day tours. Must-haves include: Hard aligner case, plus a spare case in your day bag. Travel toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Interdental brushes or floss picks. Compact alcohol-free mouthwash. Chewies or seating aids if prescribed. Aligner removal tool if you use one. Sugar-free gum or xylitol mints for dry mouth. Mild, clear, unscented soap for cleaning trays. A small zip bag for used floss and to keep everything together. If you’re flying, keep your current aligners and any additional sets in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage. This keeps them with you if your checked luggage is delayed or lost, so you can continue following your prescribed aligner schedule. Daily Routines That Work Anywhere Holidays and travel can change your usual routine, but a little planning can make it easier to keep up with your clear aligner wear and care while you’re away. Continue wearing your aligners for around 22 hours each day, or as recommended by your orthodontist. Remove your aligners for meals and when drinking anything other than plain water. Keep your aligner case handy so you have somewhere safe to store them whenever you take them out. Rinse your aligners with cool water and continue your usual cleaning routine while you’re away. Brush and floss after meals before putting your aligners back in. If you can’t brush straight away, rinse your mouth with water and brush when you next have the opportunity. If you’re enjoying coffee, wine or other staining drinks, remove your aligners first and clean your teeth before putting them back in. On long travel days, a phone reminder can be helpful if your usual meal and aligner routine gets disrupted. Tips for Managing Clear Aligners on Flights Stay hydrated. Cabin air can leave your mouth feeling dry, so drink water regularly throughout your flight. Keep your oral hygiene essentials handy. Pack a travel toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and floss in your hand luggage so you can clean your teeth after meals before putting your aligners back in. Follow your prescribed aligner schedule. Travelling across time zones can make routines confusing, so check your wear and change schedule before you leave. If you’re unsure when to change to your next set, contact our team for advice. Keep your aligners safe during meals. Always put them straight into their case when you remove them rather than wrapping them in a napkin or leaving them on your tray table. Do Time Zones Affect Your Clear Aligner Schedule? Travelling across time zones shouldn’t mean changing your treatment plan yourself. Continue following your prescribed wear and aligner change schedule, and contact your orthodontic team if you’re unsure when to change to your next set. Using Dental Monitoring to Stay Connected Dental Monitoring keeps you linked with our clinicians wherever you are. With regular smartphone scans, we can: Check fit and tracking. Advise on early or delayed changes. Troubleshoot small issues quickly. Reduce the need for in-person visits. Before your trip, update your app, pack your scan device, and enable notifications for quick responses. What Should You Do if You Lose an Aligner While Travelling? It happens, particularly on busy days. Your first step is to contact us through Dental Monitoring and let us know which aligner you’ve lost or damaged. Depending on where you are in your treatment, we can advise whether you should wear a previous aligner, move to another set or take another approach. As a general guide, we recommend: Lost your current aligner? Return to your previous aligner and wear it full-time while you wait for advice from our team. Cracked or damaged aligner? If it still fits comfortably, continue wearing it until our team advises you otherwise. Almost due to change aligners? Contact us through Dental Monitoring before moving to your next set. Don’t skip ahead by multiple aligners. Your aligner sequence forms part of your individual treatment plan. Sharp attachment bothering you? Orthodontic wax can help cover a sharp or irritating area temporarily. Your individual instructions may vary depending on your treatment plan, so always follow the advice provided by your orthodontic team. How to Keep Your Clear Aligners Clean While Travelling Brush after every meal with fluoride toothpaste. Floss once daily or use interdental brushes. Always use your aligner case – never napkins. Keep aligners away from heat, dashboards or direct sun. Stay hydrated to support oral health. Common Travel Scenarios, Solved Street food or long tours: rinse if brushing is not possible, brush at first chance. Event dinners: remove aligners before the meal, store in your case, sip water to reduce staining,
Orthodontics and Sport: Why Mouthguards Are Important
If sport is a big part of your or your child’s life, starting orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean you need to sit on the sidelines. You can continue playing the sports you love, but protecting your teeth becomes especially important when there’s a risk of contact to the face or mouth. Whether you’re wearing braces or clear aligners, choosing the right mouthguard can help protect your teeth and mouth while you play. And because orthodontic treatment changes the position of your teeth over time, there are a few extra things to think about when finding the right fit. Here’s what you need to know about mouthguards during orthodontic treatment. Why Are Mouthguards Important During Orthodontic Treatment? Contact and high-impact sports such as AFL, rugby, basketball, hockey, martial arts and netball all come with a risk of knocks to the face or mouth. These impacts can cause injuries such as chipped, cracked or displaced teeth, as well as cuts to the lips and cheeks. A well-fitting mouthguard helps absorb and distribute some of the force of an impact. If you wear braces, it also creates a protective barrier between your brackets and wires and the inside of your lips and cheeks. The important thing is finding a mouthguard that works with your orthodontic treatment. Your teeth will move throughout treatment, so your mouthguard needs to accommodate your appliance and changes in tooth position. Our Specialist Orthodontist Dr Igor Lavrin explains, “A custom-fitted mouthguard is always the safest option. It offers the best protection, fits comfortably, and ensures athletes can focus on their game without worrying about dental injuries.” Can You Wear a Mouthguard With Braces? Absolutely. If you wear braces and play a contact or high-impact sport, you’ll need a mouthguard that has enough room to fit over your brackets and wires while allowing for changes in your teeth as treatment progresses. Because your teeth are moving, a mouthguard that fitted well at the beginning of treatment may not fit the same way several months later. Check the fit regularly and let our team know if it starts to feel too tight, uncomfortable or no longer sits properly over your braces. Can You Wear a Mouthguard With Clear Aligners? Yes. If you wear clear aligners and play a sport where a mouthguard is recommended, you’ll still need one. Your aligners and mouthguard have different jobs, so your clear aligners shouldn’t take the place of a sports mouthguard. How you manage the two will depend on your individual treatment and the mouthguard you use. If you’re unsure whether to remove your aligners while playing or how sport will affect your daily wear time, ask us. We can give you advice based on your treatment plan. What Type of Mouthguard Do You Need During Orthodontic Treatment? Not every mouthguard works well with orthodontic treatment. If you have braces, your mouthguard needs enough room for your brackets and wires as well as the tooth movement that happens throughout treatment. A re-mouldable orthodontic mouthguard can be useful because you can adjust the fit as your teeth move. If you wear clear aligners, your orthodontic team can help you choose a mouthguard that works with your treatment and explain how to manage it alongside your aligner wear schedule. Most importantly, your mouthguard should fit securely and comfortably. If you’re not sure what you need, ask us before you buy one. We’re always happy to help you find an option that suits your orthodontic treatment and the sport you play. Mouthguards at L&L Orthodontics We stock NeoMorph® Mouthguards at both our clinics. They’re Australian-made, re-mouldable mouthguards designed for moderate-contact sports and can be used during treatment with braces or clear aligners. Triple-layered for protection and comfort Secure, tight fit over teeth and orthodontic appliances like braces or clear aligners Re-mouldable for easy re-fitting and adjustment 3-minute at-home fitting process Designed for use with or without braces and clear aligners (ages 11+) Free from BPA, Lead, Latex, PVC and Phthalates Made in Australia If you’re not sure whether a NeoMorph® Mouthguard is suitable for you or your child, have a chat with our team. We can consider your orthodontic appliance, treatment and the sport you play. Supporting Our Local Sporting Community We know how much sport means to many of our patients and families. It’s one of the reasons we’re proud to support local sports clubs across Melbourne, including football, netball, basketball and little athletics. Playing Sport With Braces or Clear Aligners? You can still get out there and play while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. You’ll just need to take a little extra care to protect your teeth and orthodontic appliance along the way. If you or your child plays a contact or high-impact sport, talk to us about mouthguards at your next appointment. NeoMorph® Mouthguards are also available from reception at our Melbourne CBD and Templestowe clinics.
Direct-to-Consumer Aligners vs Orthodontist-Led Treatment: What’s the Difference?
Clear aligners are everywhere. Ads promise fast, low-cost straightening that you can manage from home. The convenience is tempting. Yet teeth and jaws are living, complex systems. Moving them safely requires accurate diagnosis, careful planning and ongoing supervision. In this guide, you will learn where do-it-yourself aligner models often fall short, why Specialist Orthodontist oversight matters and how a specialist-led approach like what we offer at L&L Orthodontics helps you achieve a healthy, stable smile that lasts. How Can Direct-to-Consumer Aligner Treatment Differ? Direct-to-consumer aligner services use different models of care, so it’s important to understand exactly what a particular provider includes. Depending on the provider, there may be differences in: Whether you have an in-person clinical examination before treatment Whether diagnostic X-rays are taken Who assesses your teeth and bite Who designs and approves your treatment plan Whether in-person appointments are available during treatment How your tooth movement is monitored What happens if your aligners aren’t fitting as expected What aftercare and retainers are provided Before choosing any clear aligner provider, ask how these aspects of your care will be managed. What Is a Specialist Orthodontist? In Australia, a Specialist Orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional postgraduate specialist training in orthodontics and holds specialist registration in orthodontics. Orthodontists focus on diagnosing and managing the alignment of the teeth and jaws. During clear aligner treatment, an orthodontist may assess your teeth and bite, determine whether aligners are suitable, plan the required tooth movements and monitor your treatment over time. You can check a practitioner’s registration and recognised specialty through AHPRA’s public register. What Does Orthodontist-Led Clear Aligner Treatment Involve? Clinical assessment Before recommending treatment, your orthodontist assesses your teeth, bite and oral health and reviews the diagnostic records needed to plan your treatment. Individual treatment planning If clear aligners are appropriate, your orthodontist plans the tooth movements required for your individual treatment. Depending on your needs, this may include attachments, elastics or interproximal reduction (IPR). Ongoing monitoring Your orthodontic team monitors your tooth movement throughout treatment and can make changes to your treatment plan when clinically appropriate. At L&L Orthodontics, our Dental Monitoring app helps us check your progress between visits. When needed, we bring you in for hands-on visits and refinements so your treatment progresses as planned. Retention and aftercare Once active orthodontic treatment is complete, your orthodontist will provide advice about retainers and ongoing wear to help maintain the position of your teeth. Why Clinical Assessment and Monitoring Matter During Orthodontic Treatment Orthodontic treatment involves applying forces to move teeth through the supporting bone and tissues. Like any orthodontic treatment, clear aligner treatment has potential risks and requires appropriate assessment, treatment planning and monitoring. Potential considerations can include: Changes to the gums and supporting tissues Root resorption Changes to the bite Tooth decay or gum problems if oral hygiene isn’t maintained Teeth not moving as planned Your individual risks will depend on factors such as your teeth, gums, bite, oral health and planned tooth movements. These should be assessed before treatment and monitored as appropriate throughout your care. What Does Clear Aligner Treatment at L&L Orthodontics Include? Clear aligners are an excellent tool in the right hands. The difference is the plan, the expertise and the follow-through. Our Specialist Orthodontists plan your smile to the millimetre. Comprehensive assessment We start with a one hour consultation. Clinical exam, x-rays, dental photos and 3D digital scans to inform a clear diagnosis. You receive an honest discussion of options, timelines and expected outcomes at L&L Orthodontics. Specialist-designed treatment plan One of our Specialist Orthodontists will design your treatment plan around your individual orthodontic needs and what you hope to achieve from treatment. Precise digital planning Our Specialist Orthodontists craft step-by-step movements. Attachments, bite ramps and elastics are placed strategically where needed. We select material and trim lines for comfort and control. For suitable cases we use Spark clear aligners or Invisalign® aligners. For other cases we may recommend LightForce™ braces or traditional metal braces to improve precision. Ongoing monitoring with humans behind the tech Our Dental Monitoring app helps us check your progress between visits. When needed, we bring you in for hands-on visits and refinements so your treatment is tracking well. Support, every step Comfort tips, hygiene coaching, travel plans, and retention guidance are part of your care. The L&L Orthodontics team is always on hand to help. Retainers and aftercare Care doesn’t stop when your treatment does. When you finish clear aligner treatment, we’ll issue you with retainers and explain how to wear and care for them to help maintain your results. Comparing Your Clear Aligner Options? Clear aligners may look similar from one provider to another, but the way your treatment is assessed, planned and monitored can differ. Before starting treatment, make sure you understand who will assess you, who is responsible for your treatment plan, how your progress will be monitored and what support is available if something doesn’t go as expected. If you’re considering clear aligner treatment, our Specialist Orthodontists can assess your teeth and bite and discuss the treatment options that may be suitable for you. Book an orthodontic consultation at our Melbourne CBD or Templestowe clinic. Individual treatment needs, experiences and treatment times vary. A clinical assessment is required to determine whether clear aligners or another orthodontic treatment may be suitable for you.
How Much Do Braces and Clear Aligners Cost in Melbourne?
How much do braces or clear aligners cost in Melbourne? The answer depends on the type of orthodontic treatment you need, the complexity of your treatment and how long treatment is expected to take. At L&L Orthodontics, your treatment fees are based on your individual treatment plan. Before you start treatment, we’ll explain your treatment options, what each option costs, what’s included and the payment options available to you. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs of braces and clear aligners, what can affect the price and what to consider when comparing orthodontic treatment fees. What Influences the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment? The cost of orthodontic treatment varies because every treatment plan is different. Factors that may affect your treatment fee include: The type of braces or clear aligners recommended The complexity of the tooth and bite movements required The expected length of treatment Whether you’re treating one or both arches Any additional appliances or treatment stages required What’s included in your treatment fee, such as retainers and ongoing monitoring After assessing your teeth and bite, your Specialist Orthodontist can recommend suitable treatment options and our team will provide a clear breakdown of the associated costs. Metal Braces: An Affordable Option Metal braces remain a reliable and cost-effective solution, especially for moderate to complex orthodontic issues. In Melbourne, the cost of braces generally starts from $8,000 for a full course of treatment, depending on case complexity and treatment length. Metal braces are popular among children and teens, though adults may also consider them for complicated corrections. If you are budget-conscious, traditional metal braces are almost always the most affordable option with Specialist Orthodontist supervision. Their durability and effectiveness make them a trusted choice across age groups. Ceramic Braces: Discreet and Effective Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces offer a nearly invisible look, blending with natural teeth for those conscious about their smile during treatment. These typically cost $11,500 for a standard course of treatment in Melbourne. The extra cost compared to metal braces reflects the high-quality, stain-resistant materials and added aesthetic appeal. If your priority is a subtle appearance in professional or social settings, ceramic braces provide an effective alternative to metal. LightForce™ 3D Braces: Personalised Precision LightForce 3D Braces use brackets that are individually designed and 3D printed based on your teeth and your orthodontist’s treatment plan. This additional customisation and digital planning is reflected in the treatment fee, with LightForce generally costing more than traditional metal braces at L&L Orthodontics. The investment for LightForce™ 3D braces typically starts from $11,500 depending on your treatment needs and length. Want to learn more about this treatment type? Read our guide to discover what LightForce braces are and what makes them different. Clear Aligners: Invisalign® and Spark Aligner therapy has revolutionised orthodontic care, offering removable, transparent trays that gently guide teeth into position. In Melbourne, two leading names are Invisalign® and Spark. Invisalign®: For a full course (usually 18 to 24 months), the cost of Invisalign® generally starts around $7,000 depending on your specific needs. This includes all planning, digital imaging, and adjustments. Spark Aligners: Comparable to Invisalign®, Spark uses advanced TruGEN material and provides a similar range of transparent, custom aligners. Spark aligner costs typically start from $7,000, depending on complexity and treatment length. Shorter treatment programs or minor cosmetic adjustments can cost less, but most comprehensive treatments fall within this full-course range. What’s Included in the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment? When comparing orthodontic treatment costs, it’s important to look beyond the initial price. Different treatment fees may include different services, appointments and aftercare, so understanding exactly what’s covered can help you compare your options. At L&L Orthodontics, your treatment fee will be explained clearly before you decide whether to proceed. Depending on your individual treatment plan, your fee may include: Your braces or clear aligners and the appliances required as part of your treatment Specialist orthodontic treatment planning based on your teeth, bite and individual treatment needs Scheduled treatment appointments with our clinical team throughout your orthodontic treatment Dental Monitoring, allowing our team to review your treatment between in-clinic appointments Retainers and aftercare as outlined in your treatment plan Ongoing clinical support if you have questions or concerns during treatment Your initial orthodontic consultation is charged separately at $120 and includes a clinical assessment, digital imaging and diagnostic X-rays. Following your assessment, we’ll provide your recommended treatment options and a clear breakdown of the associated fees, including anything that may incur an additional cost. When comparing quotes from different orthodontic providers, check what’s included in the total treatment fee rather than comparing the headline price alone. Payment Plans and Making Braces Affordable Many Melbourne clinics, including L&L Orthodontics, offer interest-free payment plans to spread treatment costs into manageable installments. Plans are flexible, customisable and designed to make a straight, healthy smile accessible for all families. Discuss your options before starting, and ask about timing, deposit amounts, and inclusions. With the right plan, premium braces or advanced aligners become more affordable. What Should You Compare When Looking at Orthodontic Costs? If you’re comparing orthodontic fees, don’t look at the headline price alone. Different treatment quotes may include different services. Check: Who will diagnose and plan your treatment What type of braces or aligners are included What’s included in your treatment fee Whether retainers are included How your treatment will be monitored What payment options are available This can help you make a more meaningful comparison between treatment options and providers. Understanding Your Orthodontic Treatment Costs The cost of braces or clear aligners will depend on your individual orthodontic needs and the treatment recommended for you. The best way to understand your options and exact treatment fee is to have your teeth and bite assessed by an orthodontist. At L&L Orthodontics, we’ll explain your recommended treatment options, costs, what’s included and available payment options before you decide whether to proceed. Book an orthodontic consultation with one of our Specialist Orthodontists at our Melbourne CBD or Templestowe clinic. Treatment suitability, costs and treatment times vary depending on individual needs. A clinical