Taking Care of Braces
Keeping your smile healthy during orthodontic treatment is key to achieving great results. When you have braces, brushing and flossing regularly is more important than ever. Clean teeth and gums help ensure your treatment stays on track — and your smile stays bright. Patients who skip proper hygiene may need more frequent professional cleanings.
If you’re an adult with a history of gum disease, be sure to visit your periodontist during treatment to maintain gum health. Watch the videos below to see how to properly care for your braces and keep your mouth in top shape.
How Should You Brush and Floss with Braces?
Braces can make cleaning a bit tricky, but with the right tools and technique, you can keep your smile spotless. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, brushing after every meal to remove food particles and plaque.
Floss daily using a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to clean between brackets and wires. Taking time for thorough care will protect your enamel and gums throughout treatment.
What Can You Eat When You Have Braces?
Wondering what you can eat? It’s actually easier to start with what to avoid. For the first few days, stick to soft foods; things like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, or pasta. Skip tough meats, hard breads, and raw veggies until your mouth adjusts.
Once you’re comfortable, you’ll gradually return to your usual foods; just remember to protect your braces every time you eat.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods can damage your braces or slow down your progress. Stay away from:
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
Sticky foods: caramels, gum
Hard foods: nuts, hard candy
Bite-in foods: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Also, avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, pencils, or fingernails; these can break brackets or wires and delay your treatment.
Is It Normal to Feel Soreness After Getting Braces?
When you first get braces, it’s normal to feel some soreness or tenderness for a few days. Your teeth may be sensitive to pressure, and your lips or cheeks might feel irritated. This is temporary. You can take Tylenol or your usual pain reliever to ease discomfort. We’ll also provide orthodontic wax to place over any brackets or wires that rub; it really helps while your mouth adjusts.
Why Do Your Teeth Feel Loose During Treatment?
Feeling your teeth loosen a little during treatment? That’s actually a good sign! Slight mobility means your teeth are moving into better alignment. Once your braces come off, they’ll settle firmly into their new, corrected positions.
What Should You Do If a Wire or Band Comes Loose?
If a wire or band comes loose, don’t panic; it happens. Try to gently tuck the wire back into place using the eraser end of a pencil. If it’s still bothering you, apply a small piece of orthodontic wax or wet cotton over it to stop irritation. Then call our office as soon as you can so we can fix it quickly.
Why Is Rubber Band Wear Important?
Success in orthodontic treatment is a team effort! Wearing your rubber bands exactly as prescribed helps your teeth and jaws move efficiently into place. Skipping or forgetting to wear them can delay your results. Follow Dr. Vahid Babaeian instructions closely; consistent effort leads to a faster, more beautiful smile.
How Can You Protect Your Braces When Playing Sports?
If you play sports, always let us know. We’ll provide a custom mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth during games or practices. A well-fitted mouthguard keeps your smile safe while you stay active.