With braces and wires, keeping oral hygiene is more difficult but is more important! Not keeping up with oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment will result in build-up of "plaque," which contain tens of thousands of bacteria! This will cause inflammation in the gum, leading to bleeding, and can cause cavities!

​

Also the acid in the plaque (produced by the bacteria) can cause decalcification of the tooth enamel surface, leading to "white spots" on the teeth. This will not look good after braces are removed!