Now that you have your braces, how do you take care of them? We have some tips for you to follow that will help you care for your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment.
Eating with Braces
Don’t worry; you’ll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.
Foods to avoid with braces:
Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Foods you CAN eat with braces:
Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
Bread — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Soreness Caused by Braces and Appliances
When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel tender or sore. This is perfectly normal, and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! Instead, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water to relieve the pain. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for a few minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).
If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever. It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We would be happy to give you some wax to put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know.
Loose Teeth
If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don’t worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.
Loose Wires and Bands
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please get in touch with us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. Also, if any piece of your appliance comes off, save it and bring it to the office with you.
You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is irritating your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
Take Care of Your Appliances
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. In addition, your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.
Playing Sports with Braces
Game, Set, Match — we have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! However, if you play sports, wearing a mouthguard is recommended to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
In case of a sports emergency, check your mouth and appliance for damage immediately. Please contact our office immediately if you notice loose teeth or appliance damage. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.
Oral Hygiene FAQs
Oral hygiene is especially important when you have braces. Learn more.
Why is oral hygiene more important when you have braces?
Braces have many small parts like brackets and wires that trap food and plaque. This makes it easier for cavities and gum disease to develop if you don’t clean your teeth properly. Good oral hygiene keeps your teeth and gums healthy during treatment. It also helps prevent stains that can appear around the brackets.
What kind of toothbrush should I use with braces?
A soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush works best with braces. These help clean around the brackets and wires without damaging them. Some people also use special orthodontic brushes with a V-shape that fit better around the braces. No matter what you use, make sure you brush gently but thoroughly.
What foods should I avoid to protect my braces and teeth?
Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods like popcorn, nuts, gum, and candy. These can break wires or loosen brackets, making cleaning harder and delaying treatment. Sugary foods should also be limited to prevent cavities. Always cut up fruits and crunchy veggies into small pieces before eating.
How do I clean around the brackets and wires?
Angle your toothbrush so you can brush above and below the brackets. Move the brush in small circles to clean all sides of each bracket. Don’t forget to brush your gums and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Taking time to clean each tooth helps prevent plaque buildup and stains.
How do I floss with braces?
Flossing with braces takes more time, but it’s still very important. Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to get between your teeth and under the wires. You can also try an interdental brush or a water flosser. Flossing daily helps remove plaque and food your toothbrush can’t reach.
Can braces stain my teeth?
Braces don’t stain your teeth, but poor brushing can cause stains around the brackets. These are usually white marks left behind when plaque removes minerals from your enamel. If you brush and floss well every day, you can avoid this. Regular cleanings at the dentist also help prevent stains.