Brushing and Flossing
When you have braces, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is more important than ever. Brushing and flossing regularly ensures your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. Neglecting oral care can lead to plaque buildup, gum inflammation, or even cavities, which could extend your treatment time.
Patients who struggle to keep their teeth clean may require more frequent professional cleanings. If you have a history of gum disease, adults should also consider periodic visits to a periodontist during treatment for added care. Taking these steps ensures you’ll unveil a radiant, healthy smile when your braces come off.
Eating with Braces
Adapting to eating with braces is a small adjustment, but it’s vital to protect your appliances. Initially, stick to soft foods like scrambled eggs, oatmeal, smoothies, or mashed bananas to minimize discomfort. Gradually, you’ll return to a more regular diet—but some foods will remain off-limits to safeguard your braces.
Foods to Avoid
- Chewy foods: Taffy, granola bars
- Crunchy foods: Chips, raw celery
- Sticky foods: Toffee, marshmallows
- Hard foods: Hard pretzels, jawbreakers
- Foods to bite into: Pears, uncut sandwiches
Avoid chewing on non-food items like pens, pencils, or fingernails, as they can damage your braces. Damaged appliances can extend treatment time, so it’s best to follow these guidelines closely.
General Soreness
It’s normal to feel soreness in your mouth for 3–5 days after getting braces. Your teeth may feel tender under biting pressure, but over-the-counter pain relief, such as Tylenol, can help alleviate discomfort. Additionally, your lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel irritated as they adjust to the braces.
We provide orthodontic wax to cover areas of irritation and help reduce discomfort. Rest assured, these sensations are temporary and will subside as your mouth adapts.
Loosening of Teeth
Don’t be alarmed if your teeth feel slightly loose during treatment—this is a natural part of the process. Teeth must loosen so they can shift into their corrected positions. After treatment, they’ll stabilize and feel secure in their new alignment.
Handling a Loose Wire or Band
Occasionally, wires or bands may come loose. If this happens, use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire back into place under the archwire. If irritation persists, apply orthodontic wax or wet cotton to protect your lips and mouth. Contact our office promptly to schedule a repair appointment.
Rubber Band Wear
Orthodontic success is a partnership between the patient and orthodontist. Rubber bands or other prescribed appliances must be worn consistently for your teeth and jaws to shift into proper alignment. Failure to follow instructions or care for your appliances can delay progress, so be diligent and stay committed to your treatment plan!
Athletics and Braces
If you play sports, it’s crucial to let us know. A custom protective mouthguard will help safeguard your braces and teeth during contact sports, minimizing the risk of injury to your mouth.
Wearing a mouthguard is just one part of protecting your braces. Always ensure your orthodontic appliances are in good condition before engaging in sports. If you experience any issues, such as a loose wire or broken bracket, schedule a visit with us promptly to avoid prolonged discomfort or delays in treatment.
