Wearing braces is an important step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Understanding how to care for your braces, what to expect during treatment, and how to protect your teeth will help ensure the best possible results. At Elite Orthodontics, we provide clear guidance and support to help patients of all ages feel confident throughout their orthodontic journey.
How Do I Brush and Floss Effectively With Braces?
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is especially important when you have braces. Brackets and wires can trap food and plaque, making thorough brushing and flossing essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.
Patients who do not maintain proper oral hygiene may require more frequent professional cleanings. Adults with a history of periodontal concerns may also benefit from continued care with a periodontist while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
To help you care for your braces correctly, we recommend watching our step-by-step instructional videos, which demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques designed specifically for patients with braces.
Orthodontic Care Videos by Elite Orthodontics, San Diego, CA
What Should I Eat (and Avoid) With Braces?
Knowing what foods to avoid is just as important as knowing what you can eat while wearing braces. During the first few days, soft foods are best as your mouth adjusts. As treatment continues, you can enjoy a wider range of foods, but it’s important to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy items that could damage your braces and delay progress.
With a little care, you’ll be able to enjoy most meals while protecting your orthodontic appliances.
Which Foods Should I Avoid With Braces?
Certain foods can bend wires, loosen brackets, or damage appliances. To keep treatment on track, avoid:
- Chewy foods: such as licorice
- Crunchy foods: including popcorn, ice, and hard chips
- Sticky foods: like caramels and chewing gum
- Hard foods: such as nuts and hard candies
- Foods that require biting into: corn on the cob, whole apples, and raw carrots (cut these into smaller pieces instead)
Chewing on non-food items like pens or fingernails can also damage braces and extend treatment time.
Is Discomfort Normal After Getting Braces?
Yes. It’s common to experience mild soreness and tooth sensitivity for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol can help manage discomfort.
Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also feel irritated while they adapt to the braces. Orthodontic wax can be applied to brackets or wires to reduce irritation during this adjustment period.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose During Treatment?
Teeth loosening is a normal and necessary part of orthodontic treatment. Teeth must loosen slightly in order to move into their correct positions. Once treatment is complete, they will stabilize in their new alignment.
What Should I Do If a Wire or Band Comes Loose?
Loose wires or bands can happen occasionally and are usually not an emergency. If a wire is poking or irritating your mouth, you can gently push it back using the eraser end of a pencil and cover it with wax for temporary relief.
Be sure to contact our office as soon as possible so we can schedule an appointment to fix the issue properly.
Why Is Wearing Rubber Bands So Important?
Rubber bands and other appliances play a critical role in correcting bite alignment. Consistent wear allows your teeth and jaws to move as planned. Not wearing rubber bands as instructed or damaging appliances can significantly extend treatment time.
Following instructions closely helps ensure efficient progress and the best possible results.
Can I Play Sports While Wearing Braces?
Yes. If you participate in sports, especially contact sports, let our team know. We can recommend or provide a protective mouthguard to help prevent injury and protect your braces during athletic activities.
