How to Use TePe Interdental Brushes with Braces or Aligners
By Oral Health Care &lnterdental Brush- | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step routine for cleaning around orthodontic wires and aligner edges with TePe interdental brushes, including sizing, angle tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Use a TePe interdental brush once a day, ideally in the evening, to clean the gaps between teeth and the spaces around brackets and wires. Choose a brush size that fits snugly without forcing, angle the brush to reach under wires and behind aligner edges, and replace it when the bristles look worn. For back teeth, a long-handled angled brush such as TePe Angle can make access easier.
Why interdental cleaning matters more with orthodontics
Braces, wires, and aligners create extra places for plaque to sit, especially where a toothbrush cannot reach. Interdental brushes are designed to clean the gaps between teeth, and they also help clear the edges of brackets and orthodontic wires. If you wear aligners, the aligner itself can trap plaque against the teeth, so cleaning those contact points before you put the aligner back in is a practical habit. A daily interdental routine supports healthy gums and fresh breath, but it does not replace your regular brushing or your orthodontist's instructions.
Pick the right brush size and style for your hardware
Interdental brushes come in color-coded sizes, and the right size is the one that fits the gap without bending or forcing. For front teeth with brackets, a smaller brush may slide more comfortably; for gaps between back teeth, a larger size can clean more effectively. If you have wires that block a straight path, a long handle with an angled head gives you a better approach angle. TePe Angle Interdental Brushes come in 6 color-coded sizes and were developed in close collaboration with dental experts. If you are not sure which size to start with, a mixed pack lets you try a few sizes before committing. TePe Angle Mixed Pack covers 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, which can help you find a fit for different gaps.
How to clean around brackets, wires, and aligner edges
Start with the back teeth, where access is hardest, and work forward. Insert the brush at a slight angle so the bristles go into the gap rather than poking the gum. For wires, gently slide the brush under the wire and move it back and forth a few times. If you wear aligners, clean the interdental spaces after removing the aligner and before putting it back in. A small amount of bleeding when you first start is common if your gums are not used to interdental cleaning, but it should lessen with daily use. If bleeding continues or is painful, check with your dental professional.
Step-by-step routine for braces or aligners
- 1. Remove aligners or check wire position: If you wear aligners, take them out and set them aside. If you have braces, look at where the wire sits relative to each bracket so you know which gaps need extra attention. Checkpoint: never force a brush under a wire that is tight against the tooth.
- 2. Choose your brush size: Start with a small size and work up until the brush fills the gap without bending. Use a mixed pack if you are unsure which size fits different gaps. Mistake to avoid: using a brush that is too large can irritate gums and bend the wire.
- 3. Clean the back teeth first: Insert the brush at a slight angle and move it gently back and forth. Use a long-handled angled brush like TePe Angle to reach behind the last bracket or wire. Checkpoint: if you cannot see the brush, use a mirror and go slowly.
- 4. Work forward along the arch: Clean each gap between teeth, including the spaces next to brackets. For aligners, pay extra attention to the edges where the aligner meets the gum line. Mistake to avoid: skipping the same gap every day because it is hard to reach.
- 5. Rinse and inspect the brush: Rinse the brush under water and check for bent bristles. Replace the brush when the bristles look worn or frayed, typically every one to two weeks with daily use. Next step: if bleeding persists after a week of daily use, ask your orthodontist or dentist.
Product facts
- TePe Angle™ Interdental Brushes Green - 0.8 mm (ISO 5): TePe Angle Interdental Brushes Green - 0.8 mm (ISO 5) have a long handle and an angled head for easier access between the back teeth. The angled head helps you reach behind wires and around rear brackets where a straight brush may be awkward.
- TePe Angle™ Interdental Brushes Mixed Pack - 0.4-0.8 mm: TePe Angle Interdental Brushes Mixed Pack includes sizes from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm. A mixed pack lets you test several sizes to find the one that fits different gaps without guessing.
- TePe® Interdental Brushes Original Purple - 1.1 mm (ISO 6): TePe Interdental Brushes Original Purple - 1.1 mm (ISO 6) have a straight brush head and short handle, and are available in 9 sizes. A straight brush with a short handle can work well for front gaps or for users who prefer a compact grip, but it may be harder to angle around back teeth.
