All About Care Maintenance and Care
Understanding how to care for your braces is essential for a smooth orthodontic journey. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your smile healthy and your treatment on track.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Healthy gums help teeth move faster! Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during orthodontic treatment. Since braces make it harder to clean around your teeth, developing good habits is essential to prevent plaque build-up and gum issues.
- Brush and Floss Often: Brush thoroughly with a Sonicare toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily, ideally after every meal. Floss daily using threaders or Superfloss to remove plaque underwires.
- Rinse for Added Protection: Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash and fluoride rinse to help prevent cavities.
- Replace Toothbrush Heads: Swap out toothbrush heads every 8 weeks or when the bristles fray.
- Gum Health: Swollen or bleeding gums indicate the need for better brushing and flossing. Consistent care ensures a healthy, beautiful smile throughout treatment.
- Schedule Regular Cleanings: Extra dental cleanings may be recommended to keep your smile in top shape.
- Periodontal Care: Adults with a history of gum disease should see a periodontist for additional care during treatment.
For visual guidance, check out our helpful videos on proper care while wearing braces!
Eating with Braces
A common question is, “What can I eat?” In the first few days after getting or adjusting braces, stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes. As you adjust, you can reintroduce many of your favorite foods, but it’s important to protect your braces for the duration of your treatment.
Foods to Avoid with Braces:
- Sticky: Gum, caramels, toffee
- Chewy: Bagels, hard rolls, licorice
- Crunchy: Popcorn, ice
- Hard: Nuts, candy
- Bite-into Foods: Corn on the cob, apples, carrots (cut into pieces)
Also, avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, pencils, or fingernails, as these can damage braces and prolong treatment.
Limit Sugary Foods:
- Minimize sugary treats like cake, cookies, and candy to prevent cavities.
- Enjoy drinks like soda, sweetened tea, or sports drinks no more than once daily.
Managing General Soreness
Mild soreness is normal after getting braces or an adjustment. Here’s how to handle it:
- Discomfort Duration: Soreness typically lasts 3-5 days.
- Pain Relief: Use Tylenol or your preferred pain reliever to ease discomfort.
- Irritation: Lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel tender as they adjust. Apply orthodontic wax to reduce irritation in problem areas.
Loosening of Teeth
Feeling your teeth loosen during treatment? Don’t worry—it’s completely normal! Teeth must loosen slightly to shift into their corrected positions. Once treatment is complete, your teeth will firm up in their new alignment.
Handling a Loose Wire or Band
If a wire or band becomes loose:
- Quick Fix: Use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire back under the archwire if it’s causing irritation.
- Wax Relief: Apply orthodontic wax or wet cotton to reduce irritation if the issue persists.
Schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can repair the issue.
Rubber Band Wear
Wearing rubber bands or other prescribed appliances as instructed is crucial for treatment success. Consistency helps move your teeth and jaws to their proper positions. Skipping days or not wearing them for the recommended time can extend your treatment. By wearing them diligently, you’ll stay on track and achieve your best smile sooner.
Sports and Mouthguards
If you play sports, let us know! We’ll provide a custom protective mouthguard to shield your braces and teeth during contact sports. A well-fitted mouthguard can also help prevent cuts, broken brackets, and other injuries. Protecting your smile during treatment ensures you stay focused on the game while keeping your teeth safe.