All About Braces Care and Maintenance
Braces are a big step toward a healthier, more confident smile! Here’s what you need to know about caring for them, handling discomfort, and adjusting to life with braces.
Keeping Your Smile Clean
Brushing and flossing are more important than ever with braces. Food and plaque can get trapped around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities and gum issues. To keep your smile healthy:
- Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss daily with a floss threader or orthodontic flosser.
- Rinse with mouthwash to help reduce plaque buildup.
If you have a history of gum disease, regular visits to a periodontist are recommended during treatment.
Eating with Braces
One of the most common questions we hear is: “What can I eat?” In the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Over time, you’ll be able to eat a wider variety of foods, but some should always be avoided.
Foods to Avoid
To prevent damage to your braces, steer clear of:
- Chewy foods – Bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods – Popcorn, ice
- Sticky foods – Caramel, gum
- Hard foods – Nuts, hard candy
- Biting foods – Apples, corn on the cob, carrots
Also, avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails, as these habits can break your braces and extend treatment time.
Adjusting to Braces
Getting braces is a big step, and it can take time to get used to the feeling of your new appliances. It’s normal for your mouth to feel different as your teeth begin to shift into alignment.
Soreness After Getting Braces
It’s normal to feel some soreness for 3–5 days after getting braces. Your teeth may be tender, and your lips, cheeks, and tongue may need time to adjust. Here’s how to ease discomfort:
- Take Tylenol or your preferred pain reliever.
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets causing irritation.
- Stick to soft foods until the tenderness fades.
Loose Teeth? No Worries!
Your teeth may feel a little loose—this is completely normal! They need to shift before settling into their corrected positions. Once treatment is complete, they’ll feel secure again.
Handling Braces Emergencies
Brace emergencies are rare, but knowing how to handle them can help you stay calm. Most issues can be fixed at home or with a quick visit to our practice.
Loose Wire or Band
If a wire or band comes loose:
- Use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire back into place.
- Apply orthodontic wax over any poking wires for comfort.
- Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment.
Rubber Bands & Compliance
Wearing rubber bands and other appliances as instructed is key to finishing treatment on time! Skipping them can delay progress, so stay consistent for the best results.
Playing Sports? Protect Your Braces with a Mouthguard!
If you’re an athlete, let us know—we’ll provide a custom mouthguard to protect your braces during contact sports. A well-fitted mouthguard helps prevent injuries to your braces and teeth, ensuring you can play with confidence. Maintaining your oral health while staying active is important, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
