All About Braces
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces. Regular brushing and flossing ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. Neglecting this can lead to the need for more frequent professional cleanings. Adults with a history of gum disease should also consider seeing a periodontist during treatment. Watch the videos below to learn more about the proper care of braces.
Eating with Braces
Wondering what you can eat? It’s more important to know what you shouldn’t eat! In the first day or so, stick to soft foods, avoiding tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. While you’ll soon be able to enjoy crunchy foods like cucumbers again, it’s essential to protect your braces by avoiding certain foods for the duration of your treatment.
Foods to Avoid:
• Chewy foods: Bagels, hard rolls, liquorice
• Crunchy foods: Popcorn, ice
• Sticky foods: Caramels, gum, toffees
• Hard foods: Nuts, candy
• Foods you need to bite into: Corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Additionally, avoid chewing on non-food items like pens, pencils, or fingernails, as this can damage your braces and prolong treatment.
General Soreness
You may experience some soreness when your braces are first placed. This discomfort can last 3–5 days, and your teeth may be tender when biting. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as Panado, can help ease the discomfort. Irritation to the lips, cheeks, and tongue is also common in the first week or two as your mouth adjusts. We will provide orthodontic wax to apply on the braces to alleviate any discomfort.
Loosening of Teeth
Don’t worry if your teeth feel loose during treatment. This is normal and part of the process. Teeth must loosen slightly to move into their new, corrected positions, and they will firm up once treatment is completed.
Loose Wires or Bands
Occasionally, a wire or band may come loose. If a wire is poking or irritating your mouth, use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push it back into place. If discomfort persists, apply wax or a small piece of wet cotton to the area and call our office to arrange a repair.
Rubber Band Wear
Following your orthodontist’s instructions, especially when it comes to wearing rubber bands, is essential for successful treatment. Consistent wear of rubber bands and appliances ensures that your teeth and jaws move into the correct positions. Failure to follow instructions or damaging your braces will extend your treatment time.
Athletics and Braces
If you play sports, it’s important to let us know. For contact sports, a protective mouthguard may be necessary to protect your braces and teeth.