Our Favourite Ortho-Friendly Products
Your go-to guide for helpful tools during treatment
Navigating your smile journey is easier when you’ve got the right tools! Below, you’ll find a curated list of the products we recommend most often to make your orthodontic care more comfortable and effective—whether you're in braces or aligners.
From floss threaders to electric toothbrushes, these are the items that get the Kirk Ortho stamp of approval.
We’ve included links to purchase online, or you can support local by checking out one of the independent pharmacies listed below. Either way, we suggest bookmarking this page so it’s easy to find later on!
Your Purchase Supports our Community
Some of the product links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. We donate 100% of these commissions back to local charities supporting youth, families, and health initiatives in our community.
Toothbrushes & Toothpastes
Electric Toothbrush
Keeping your teeth clean with braces is all about consistency and technique. Whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush, we recommend brushing for two full minutes, three times a day, covering every surface around the brackets and gumline.
If you're considering an electric option, here are a couple we really like for their effectiveness and ease of use with braces:
Toothpaste
There are a lot of great toothpaste options out there, but when you’re in orthodontic treatment, here’s what to look for:
Approved by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA)
Contains fluoride to help prevent cavities
Offers protection for sensitive teeth
Some of our go-to choices include:
High-Fluoride Toothpaste
For patients who are struggling with plaque buildup or signs of early decalcification, a high-fluoride toothpaste can offer an extra layer of protection. It helps strengthen enamel, prevent cavities, and support better overall oral health—especially during orthodontic treatment when cleaning around brackets can be more challenging.
We sometimes recommend products like Prevident for patients who need a little added support. This type of toothpaste should be used under the guidance of your orthodontist or dentist.
Flossing
Super Floss
If you have braces, floss threaders will quickly become part of your daily rhythm. But if you’re looking to save time, super floss is a game-changer. It combines a stiff end for threading, a spongy middle, and a regular floss section—all in one.
Floss Threaders
Flossing with braces takes a little extra effort—but floss threaders make it way easier. These flexible tools help guide your floss underneath the archwire so you can clean between your teeth just like you would without braces.
They’re simple to use, super portable, and an essential part of keeping your gums healthy during treatment. We recommend using them daily—your future smile will thank you!
Water Flosser
Water flossers are a great addition to your daily oral hygiene routine—but keep in mind they’re not a substitute for regular flossing. They’re especially helpful for flushing out food particles from between brackets and wires, making it easier to keep your smile fresh and clean.
We often recommend this one:
Clear Aligners & Retainer Care
Aligner Removal Tool
While most aligners are easy to pop in and out, this little tool can come in handy—especially in those tight spots where grip is tricky. It’s a useful helper if you need a bit of extra leverage (especially when you’ve just switched to a new tray!).
Keep your aligners, retainers, and mouthguards fresh and odour-free with these effervescent tablets.
Aligner/Retainer Cleaning Tablets
Zima Cleaning Pod
Looking for an easier way to keep your retainers or clear aligners fresh and clean? The Zima Dental Pod uses ultrasonic technology to deep clean your appliances in minutes—no scrubbing required! Just add water and cleaning tablets, press start, and let the pod do the work.
Miscellaneous Items
Mouthwash
A good mouthwash can be a great support to your brushing and flossing routine—especially with braces or aligners. Here’s what we recommend looking for:
Supports gum health
Has antibacterial properties
Alcohol-free (to avoid dryness or irritation)
Top picks we trust:
Habit-Breaking Nail Polish
Thumb sucking and nail biting can affect how the teeth and jaws grow—especially in young patients. If these habits stick around too long, they can impact the bite and the results of orthodontic treatment.
We often recommend this particular brand of nail polish as a helpful aid for breaking the habit. It has a distinct bitter taste, and when applied to the nails, it gently reminds kids (and adults!) to avoid biting or sucking.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the package before using.
Proxabrushes
These small, cone-shaped brushes are designed to clean between brackets and around wires, helping remove food debris and plaque in hard-to-reach spots.
They’re especially helpful for patients who are prone to inflammation or want a little extra support in keeping their smile sparkling between brushings. Easy to carry and quick to use!
Wisp Mini Toothbrushes
These handy little tools are great for a quick freshen-up when you’re on the go. Whether you're in braces or aligners, they help dislodge food particles from between teeth and around brackets—and they even have a breath-freshening minty coating.
They’re perfect for after snacks or lunch when you don’t have access to a bathroom for brushing. Small enough to keep in your backpack, locker, or purse!
Braces-Friendly Mouthguard
A must-have for sports players with braces—this mouthguard is designed to fit comfortably over brackets.
Prefer to Shop Local?
We love supporting our local independent pharmacies, and many of them carry most of our recommended supplies. We suggest calling ahead to confirm product availability.
Carleton Place:
Seaway Valley Pharmacy
Right next door to our Carleton Place office!
Smiths Falls:
Perth:
A Quick Note
These product recommendations are based on what we’ve found to work well for our patients—they’re not formal endorsements of specific brands or medical advice. If you have questions about what products are best for your unique treatment, feel free to get in touch with our team anytime.
