I’ve worn braces for nearly half my life–14 years on and off, to be exact. That’s a fact that often shocks people (dentists included!). After countless trial and error, I’ve finally come out the other side overjoyed with results from Tend’s Breezy Braces. Before I dive into everything you need to know about them, I want to share more about my overall smile journey because when I say I’ve tried everything, I mean it. Breezy Braces have been my best experience with orthodontics, period.

I was seven years old when my baby teeth all fell out, and my permanent teeth settled in. My two front teeth grew inward (like two covers of a book closing halfway) and I had a significant underbite. I started wearing traditional braces at eight years old, with a Hawley wire retainer in the bottom row that eventually was replaced with braces at 10 years old.

After one braces-free year at 13 years old, my teeth totally relapsed, and I was back to two rows of braces from the age of 14 until 20! It’s hard to find pictures of myself smiling with my teeth those years. Even if I felt enough joy to warrant a giant smile, I often glued my lips together and mustered a close-mouthed smirk, self-conscious about my mouth of metal.

![kristina-braces-journey-2](//images.ctfassets.net/otz9p93fkvjx/1nZwZfQiTQgtheNJJ2g4PB/052b857c2272246bcc8a57f69904a26a/kristina-braces-journey-2.png)

I desperately wanted to feel and look grown up in college, especially as I started building my career studying journalism and interning at magazines. I worked in newsrooms for big-name publications with assignments like fashion week reporting and red carpet interviews where I’d be face-to-face with A-list celebrities. I was thrust into an image-driven industry. Appearances were paramount. While I’d eventually learn that my skills were far more important than my looks, as a young aspiring editor I couldn’t help but worry I wouldn’t be taken seriously if I still looked like a kid. I felt like a real life Ugly Betty! After all, America Ferrera’s iconic character had a full mouth of braces (same), grew up in Queens in an immigrant household (same), and wanted to be a magazine editor (SAME!).

While my braces didn’t stop me from making all my career aspirations come to fruition, I have to admit I was elated to finally have them removed in 2012. My smile was far from perfect, with my stubborn front teeth still crooked and the bottom row crowded, but I was okay with settling if it meant being braces-free.

![kristina-braces-journey-3](//images.ctfassets.net/otz9p93fkvjx/2OqPw4Bn6vdABnv8t3hdh/399ffaa1284b1757f09dadc9081388d0/kristina-braces-journey-3.png)

By 2017, I was working full-time as a beauty editor at a digital publication, testing anything and everything the beauty world had to offer. I reported on oral health, so I was always first to know about exciting innovations. At the time, companies offering clear aligners (the process all done from the comfort of your home) were trending, and I jumped at the opportunity to tweak my smile again. I wore them for a year. I still had more to go, but one necessary tooth extraction later, my retainers no longer fit and my teeth shifted, once again.

This brings us to 2021, when I decided to give orthodontics one last shot with Breezy Braces. Working now as a full-time content creator, and also now a bride-to-be, appearing close-up in photos and videos was top of mind. I teamed up with Tend to document my whole Breezy Braces journey. Here are some big takeaways after wearing them for a year:

![kristina-before-after-breezy-braces](//images.ctfassets.net/otz9p93fkvjx/1qDdEF49jFOpXiDkWoXLd8/a53bf5d736585b4456136ce5870fae56/kristina-before-after-breezy-braces.png)

__Breezy Braces are the only totally invisible option for teeth straightening.__
They were attached behind my top and bottom rows of teeth, so when I spoke, ate, and smiled, no one could see them. They weren’t even visible in videos I’d shoot! This was the main reason why I decided to go with Breezy Braces–even though options like clear aligners are not as obstructive as traditional braces, you still have a sheet of plastic in front of your teeth that’s obvious (especially when we’re talking about a 4K camera capturing content).

__They are low-maintenance.__
I knew that I’d be unreliable if I had Invisalign, which requires compliance to keep them in 22 hours a day. They also have to be removed during eating and drinking. Having used clear aligners before, I knew I’d personally find it annoying to constantly pop them in and out. Breezy Braces, on the other hand, are bonded to your teeth so once they’re in, they’re working at all times to shift your teeth and you’re not responsible for them. As I progressed, I would come into Tend’s studios to get my wires replaced and those appointments with my orthodontist, Dr. Reem, were only necessary once every 6-8 weeks.

__There’s definitely an adjustment period for talking and eating.__ 
The first thing I’d tell anyone interested in Breezy Braces to know, is that you will have a lisp. Your tongue needs to adjust to having braces behind your teeth and it takes some time. It varies person to person, but my lisp faded after two weeks and was fully gone after one month of wearing the braces. 

You might experience soreness on your tongue and gums like I did – the Tend team provided dental wax to cover parts of the wire while my mouth got used to them. By the end of my treatment, I was so comfortable with them I barely noticed they were there. As for eating, you just have to avoid really hard nuts, gum, or anything that could pop off a bracket. I ate soft food for the first couple of days, and just ate regularly after that. Make sure to floss and use a Waterpik to maintain peak hygiene because food will inevitably get stuck! I walked around with GUM soft picks in my purse. 

__Retainers are complimentary.__
Once your treatment is complete, you’ll get clear retainers. I was instructed to wear them at night and also opted to have permanent retainers installed behind my teeth for extra security. I’ve loved the combination of both to ensure my teeth remain straight over time! 

__The process is smooth.__
I think what I appreciated most about Breezy Braces is that the entire Tend team made my experience enjoyable from start to finish. The studios are clean, come with entertainment (watching Netflix while getting my wires put in made appointments fly by), and a calming space to be in. My orthodontist Dr. Reem was incredibly friendly, accommodating for my crazy schedule involving tons of travel, and always willing to answer my million questions. Plus, there’s an app where you can track your progress so you can really see results as they happen.

![kristina-breezy-braces-after](//images.ctfassets.net/otz9p93fkvjx/fOw7edPSyYG0juGMftSxb/2df03cf7584724b0922df302c651d6aa/kristina-breezy-braces-after.JPG)

Overall, I wish Breezy Braces existed sooner because it would’ve been my first choice if I had known about it before! I topped off my experience with Tend’s whitening treatment and I couldn’t be happier with the final results: My smile is totally aligned, the crowding in my bottom row of teeth is resolved, and I am no longer insecure about flashing a big smile. If you’re on the fence about Breezy Braces, definitely book a free consultation to see if it’ll work for you.


Book a free consult with one of our top-rated dentists to learn more about Tend’s Breezy Braces ® 

Ready to take the first step to a straighter smile? 

After 14 years of trial and error with traditional braces, [Kristina Rodulfo](https://www.instagram.com/kristinarodulfo/?hl=en), content creator and former Beauty Director of Women's Health, finally has the smile she’s always wanted.

kristina-before-after-breezy-braces

Kristina Rodulfo is a journalist, magazine editor, and beauty expert. Learn more about her journey with Breezy Braces at Tend.

My Breezy Braces Journey - Kristina Rodulfo

kristina-breezy-braces-after

My Breezy Braces Journey

Unfortunately, without proper care, braces are vulnerable to plaque buildup and cavities. The good news is it only takes a few extra steps to keep your teeth clean with braces.  

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to clean like a professional—and exactly how to do it.

### What you will need:

__Soft toothbrush__

Whether you opt for an electric or manual toothbrush, choose a [soft-bristled toothbrush](https://www.hellotend.com/shop/products/soothsonic) to protect your gums and mouth.

Your new braces can lead to tartar build up at your gum line, so it’s especially important to brush well (in circular motions) in that area. Soft bristles will protect your gums from being irritated when you brush. They’ll also maneuver easily around your hardware without damaging it.

__Anti-sensitivity fluoride toothpaste__

Choosing a [fluoride-based toothpaste](https://www.hellotend.com/shop/products/anticavity-toothpaste) will ensure the most thorough clean. Anti-sensitivity varieties will also help with any discomfort you may be feeling, especially in your first few weeks with braces.

__Oral Irrigator…__

An oral irrigator (also known as a water flosser or Waterpik) is an alternative to standard floss that uses a high-powered stream of water to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth. Because flossing around braces can be tricky, many people prefer to use an oral irrigator, which can be maneuvered more easily around brackets and wires.

__… or Floss Feeder__

If you opt to stick with regular dental floss, a floss feeder (also known as a floss threader) is a must. This handy tool is made of thin plastic with a loop at the end. After putting your floss through the loop, you can easily thread the feeder under the wires of your braces to position the floss.

__Interdental Toothbrush or Proxabrush__

An interdental toothbrush (also known as a proxabrush) is a small, straight, bristled tool specially designed to reach areas that toothbrushes can miss. Its unique shape makes it especially good at cleaning under braces wires.

__Rubber tipped gum massager__

A rubber-tipped gum massager—which looks like a metal rod with a pointed rubber tip at the end—can help stimulate the gums and break up and remove plaque at the gumline. Since this area is often harder to reach with braces, the gum massager can be a useful addition.

__Tongue cleaner__       

[Tongue cleaners](https://www.hellotend.com/shop/products/the-tidy-tongue) come in a few basic designs, but they all serve the same function—removing bacteria from your tongue. Tongue bacteria can easily spread to your new braces, so it’s a good idea to get rid of it with a tongue cleaner. (Bonus: it also helps prevent bad breath!)

## How to clean your teeth with braces

Now that you’ve got the right tools, here’s how to keep that new smile clean.

### 1. Remember to brush after every meal

You’ve probably heard this one before, but now that you have braces, it’s more important than ever. Food particles and debris can (and will!) get caught in your braces during meals. Brushing immediately afterwards is the best way to ensure your braces stay clean and your teeth stay protected.

Bonus tip: if you wear clear aligners ([like Invisalign](https://www.hellotend.com/invisalign)), you need to brush after every meal, too! Always reinsert your aligners into a clean mouth.  

### 2. Go easy on the toothpaste

Believe it or not, less is more when it comes to toothpaste and braces. The foam created by toothpaste can make it hard to see any debris stuck in your braces. A pea-sized amount is just right.

### 3. Don’t brush too hard

Your braces are strong and sturdy—so are your teeth! Even so, be careful not to use too much pressure while you brush. While it’s unlikely that brushing too hard will damage your braces, it can nonetheless lead to problems like recessed gums, tooth sensitivity, and even loose teeth.

### 4. Spend 30” brushing each “quarter” of your mouth for a total of 2 minutes

To start, divide your mouth into four “quarters,” or “quadrants”: top right, top left, bottom right, and bottom left. Each quadrant starts at the center tooth and extends to the back molar.

Then, spend about 30 seconds carefully brushing each quadrant. Many electric toothbrushes have built-in timers you can use; if not, feel free to use your own timer.

Holding your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle, gently maneuver it to brush along the gumline, both sides of the brackets, and the ends of your teeth. Then clean the chewing surfaces and the opposite sides. When your 30 seconds are up, move on to the next quadrant.

### 5. Pay special attention to the area between the brackets and your gums

Braces can lead to tartar build up around your gum line, primarily because it’s difficult to clean the area between the brackets and the gums. Keep your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and focus on gently brushing in this area at the start of your 30 seconds in each “quadrant.”  

### 6. Use a proxabrush to clean those hard-to-reach places

After your two minutes are up, gently insert your proxabrush underneath your braces wires and in any tight crevices between teeth to dislodge any remaining debris. (No need to use toothpaste on your proxabrush.)
![Man flossing his teeth](//images.ctfassets.net/otz9p93fkvjx/37pNT8IJvv3xw2R8SeRJxd/703e049fa982d08401b3ddc69077eab5/Tend_BreezyBraces_PInk_Mac_Flossing_4358_crop_1.png)
### 7. Don’t forget to floss!

Regular flossing is just as essential as brushing, especially when you have braces. Although it can be tricky to floss with braces, a floss threader can help you maneuver around the wires and make it easier to incorporate into your daily oral hygiene routine.

Carefully thread the floss under the main wire, then pull it through. Wrap the ends around your fingers and slide the floss between your teeth. Take your time moving it towards the gumline, and stop before you feel any pain. You can use any floss you’d like, although waxed floss is often easier to slide in tight spaces.  

To remove, grab one end of the floss and pull the strand out.

### 8. Use an antiseptic mouthwash at bedtime

An antiseptic fluoride mouthwash is a great last step after flossing and brushing. Swish for about a minute to help clear out any remaining debris.

## Tips for cleaning clear aligners

If you have clear aligners, you’ll also need to take the steps to keep them clean.

Most toothpastes are too abrasive for aligners; instead, rinse them at night and scrub them with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap. You can also soak them in a denture solution, or a specialty cleaning solution like Invisalign’s cleaning crystals.  

After soaking or cleaning, let your aligners air dry on the counter for 15-30 minutes, then return them to their protective case.

Always remember to brush your teeth after eating if you wear clear aligners, before reinserting them. Not doing so can trap bacteria under your aligners, which can damage them and lead to plaque and cavities.

## Other helpful dental tools

__Rubber tipped gum massager__

A rubber-tipped gum massager can be a good addition to your oral care routine if you wear braces. To use, simply hold the rubber tip under warm running water to loosen it up, then run it gently along your gum line. This will help dislodge any leftover plaque or debris near your gums. Be sure to rinse your mouth afterwards.

__Tongue cleaner__

Tongue cleaners come in a few different designs, but most are used the same way.

You’ll start by sticking your tongue out as far as is comfortable. Then, gently scrape the tongue cleaner along your tongue from back to front. Rinse the cleaner, and repeat if you’d like. Be sure to concentrate on the back of your tongue, where bacteria builds up most easily. (But only go as far back as is comfortable!) Rinse your mouth out afterwards.

## FAQ:

### Can you get your teeth cleaned while wearing braces?

You can and should get your teeth cleaned by a hygienist while wearing braces! Getting regular cleanings is one of the most important ways to keep your teeth in top shape while you’re wearing braces.

### How do you clean under braces?

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to gently clean the tops and bottoms of your brackets and under your wires. For particularly tricky spots, gently insert a proxabrush to dislodge any stuck food or debris.

### How often should you brush your teeth if you wear braces?        

If you wear braces, you should [brush morning and evening](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.hellotend.com/thegargler/is-brushing-at-night-more-important-than-in-the-morning), plus after every meal. This small commitment to oral care will go a long way to keeping your mouth healthy. You’ve already invested so much in your new smile—now’s the time to protect that investment.

Your new braces represent an important investment in yourself, and one of the best ways to honor that commitment is by maintaining good oral hygiene. 

Cleaning teeth with braces

Good oral care can be a challenge when you wear braces - fortunately it only takes a few extra steps.  Learn exactly what you’ll need to clean like a pro!

Your order number:

Your order has been placed!

From the Gargler

My Breezy Braces Journey

Keeping Your Teeth Clean When You Wear Braces