Now that you have your braces, it’s important to know how to properly take care of them throughout your orthodontic treatment. Following a few simple steps will ensure your treatment goes smoothly and you achieve the best possible result!
Brushing and Flossing
It’s essential to brush and floss regularly when you have braces to keep your teeth and gums healthy during your orthodontic treatment. Because braces can make brushing and flossing more challenging, you may need to adjust your habits to maintain a healthy smile.
Patients who don’t clean their teeth well may require more frequent visits to the dentist for professional cleanings. If you’re an adult with a history of gum disease, you may also need to see a periodontist during your orthodontic treatment.
Watch the video below for tips on caring for your braces and maintaining a clean smile!
Eating with Braces
You might have to say goodbye to some of your favorite snacks for a while, but don’t worry — you’ll be enjoying popcorn and chips again soon! In the meantime, it’s important to avoid foods that could damage your braces. Here’s a list of what to eat and what to avoid:
Foods to Avoid with Braces:
- Chewy foods: bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods: caramel, chewing gum
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Foods You Can Eat with Braces:
- Dairy: soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads: soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins (without nuts)
- Grains: pasta, soft-cooked rice
- Meats/poultry: soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood: tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables: mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits: applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats: ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Soreness Caused by Braces and Appliances
It’s normal to feel some tenderness or soreness in your teeth and mouth when you first get your braces. This should only last for a few days, and there are simple ways to ease the discomfort. We recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water.
Swish and gargle the solution in your mouth for a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater). If the pain persists, you can also take a pain reliever. Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also feel irritated as they adjust to the braces, but this discomfort should go away within one to two weeks. If needed, we can provide you with wax to place over your braces to ease irritation.
Loose Teeth
If your teeth feel a bit loose, don’t be alarmed — this is completely normal! Braces work by loosening your teeth so they can move into their correct positions. Once your teeth have been realigned, they will no longer feel loose.
Loose Wires and Bands
Occasionally, wires or bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, contact us as soon as possible so we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, keep it and bring it to the office. In the meantime, you can gently push the loose wire back into place using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil. If the wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, apply wax or a wet cotton ball to relieve the discomfort.
Take Care of Your Appliances
Damaged appliances can lengthen your treatment time, so be sure to take good care of them. Consistently wearing your rubber bands, headgear, retainers, or any other appliances prescribed by your doctor is crucial for effective treatment. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if your appliances are in good condition and used as directed.
Playing Sports with Braces
Good news for athletes — you can still play sports while wearing braces! To protect your teeth and appliances, we recommend wearing a mouthguard. If you need help finding the right mouthguard, let us know. In case of a sports-related injury, check your teeth and braces for any damage. If you notice any looseness or damage, please contact us immediately. To relieve any discomfort, apply wax or rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
