Life With Braces and Care About Your Smile
Orthodontic treatment is a journey, and like any journey, there are a few changes to your daily routine. From brushing and eating to playing sports, here’s everything you need to know about life with braces and how to protect your smile throughout treatment.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Good oral hygiene becomes even more important when you have braces. Since brackets and wires can trap food and plaque, it’s essential to brush and floss properly to avoid tooth decay and gum issues.
Brush after every meal and before bed
Use an orthodontic or electric toothbrush for a deeper clean
Floss daily using a floss threader or orthodontic floss
Adults with a history of gum disease should consider seeing a periodontist during treatment to help maintain gum health.
Eating with Braces and What to Avoid
One of the most frequently asked questions is: “What can I eat?” At first, stick to soft foods like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, smoothies, or steamed vegetables—especially after adjustments. But throughout treatment, you’ll need to avoid foods that can damage your braces.
Foods to Avoid
Chewy: fruit snacks, toffee, thick pizza crust
Crunchy: pretzels, granola, tortilla chips
Sticky: marshmallows, honey-based snacks
Hard: jawbreakers, uncooked pasta
Biting-required: pears, sub sandwiches, pickles
Also, avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails, as this can damage your braces and extend your treatment time.
General Soreness After Getting Braces
It’s completely normal to feel some soreness and sensitivity when you first get braces or after adjustments. This typically lasts 3–5 days.
Use Tylenol or your regular pain reliever for relief. Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel irritated for one to two weeks as they adjust. Use orthodontic wax on irritated areas to reduce discomfort—we’ll provide plenty for you.
Are Loose Teeth Normal?
Yes! A little looseness is expected. It means your teeth are beginning to shift into their new positions. Once your treatment ends, your teeth will feel secure and firm in their final placement.
Dealing with a Loose Wire or Band
If a wire or band comes loose, don’t worry—it happens!
Use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push a poking wire back under the archwire
Apply orthodontic wax or a small piece of wet cotton if the wire is irritating
Call our office to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible
Only attempt to adjust wires if your discomfort is unmanageable with wax and you’re unable to be seen right away.
The Importance of Rubber Band Wear
Your treatment success depends on consistency. Teeth and jaws move only when appliances like rubber bands are worn as directed. Not wearing them properly can delay your progress and extend your treatment time, so stick to your instructions!
Playing Sports with A Mouthguard
If you play contact sports, let us know! We’ll provide a custom protective mouthguard to keep your smile and appliances safe during games or practice.