Brushing and Flossing
When you have braces, maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial for keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. It’s essential to brush and floss regularly. If patients neglect their oral care, they may require more frequent dental cleanings and could be at risk for permanent chalky white spots on their teeth, known as decalcification. Additionally, adults with a history of gum disease should consult a periodontist during their treatment.
Watch the videos below to learn about proper care for braces.
Eating with Braces
Wondering what to eat with braces? Let’s start with what to avoid! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables initially. Eventually, you’ll be able to enjoy more crunchy foods again. However, protecting your braces while eating is essential for the duration of your treatment.
Foods to Avoid
To protect your braces, avoid the following foods:
- Chewy foods: taffy, fruit snacks
- Crunchy foods: chips, granola bars
- Sticky foods: toffee, marshmallows
- Hard foods: pretzels, lollipops
- Foods to bite into: pears, celery
Additionally, avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, pencils, or fingernails, as they can damage your braces and extend your treatment time.
General Soreness
A little soreness is normal when starting treatment with braces or Invisalign. Here’s what to expect:
- Mild Discomfort: Some tenderness in your mouth and teeth is normal, especially when biting, for about 3–5 days.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relief, like Tylenol, can help manage discomfort.
- Irritation from Braces: Braces may initially cause irritation to your lips, cheeks, and tongue for one to two weeks as your mouth adjusts.
- Wax for Comfort: We’ll provide wax to place on any areas of the braces that cause irritation. (This typically isn’t necessary for Invisalign aligners.)
Loosening of Teeth
Some loosening of teeth during treatment is normal and necessary for them to move into the correct positions. Once your treatment is completed, your teeth will firm up in their new positions. If any teeth feel very loose, please call our office for an evaluation.
Loose Wire or Band
If a wire or band becomes loose, don’t worry—it’s common. If a wire is causing irritation, use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push it back under the archwire. If irritation persists, apply wax or a piece of wet cotton to the wire, and contact our office to schedule a repair appointment.
Comfort Wax
When you first get your braces, or occasionally afterward, a wire or bracket may irritate your cheeks, lips, or tongue. This irritation is common in the first few weeks and usually resolves on its own. If it occurs, apply the comfort wax provided in your braces kit to the area causing discomfort. For more guidance, see our video on applying wax at Emergency Care.
Rubber Band Wear
Successful orthodontic treatment requires teamwork. Teeth and jaws move toward their corrected positions only if you consistently wear rubber bands or other appliances as prescribed. Lack of cooperation or damaged appliances can lengthen treatment time, so please follow instructions carefully.
Athletics
If you play sports, let us know! We’ll provide you with a protective mouthguard to safeguard your braces and teeth during contact sports. Wearing a mouthguard is essential in preventing injuries to your teeth and braces, which could prolong treatment. With proper precautions, you can continue enjoying your favorite sports safely throughout your orthodontic journey.
