Brushing and Flossing
When you have braces, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing are necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces. Braces can make these tasks more challenging, so it’s important to adjust your habits for a brighter smile.
Neglecting dental care may result in more frequent visits for professional cleanings. If you have a history of gum disease, it’s recommended to see a periodontist during your orthodontic treatment.
Tips for Effective Brushing and Flossing:
- Brush after every meal to remove food particles.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging braces and gums.
- Floss daily with a floss threader or orthodontic floss to clean between teeth.
- Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce plaque buildup.
Watch the video below on the proper care of braces during orthodontic treatment.
Eating with Braces
Many people wonder, “What can I eat with braces?” After getting an adjustment, it’s best to stick to softer foods for the first couple of days. Avoid chewy meats, crusty breads, and raw crunchy vegetables. As your treatment progresses, you’ll be able to enjoy a wider range of foods, but it’s important to always protect your braces while eating.
Foods to Avoid
To help you navigate your diet while wearing braces, here’s a quick list of foods to steer clear of:
- Chewy items: soft pretzels, pizza crust
- Crunchy snacks: chips, hard nuts
- Sticky treats: taffy, caramel, gummy candies
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candies, granola bars
- Foods that require biting: apples, pears, celery sticks
Be careful not to chew on hard objects like pens or fingernails, as this can also cause damage. Damaged braces may prolong your treatment and require extra appointments.
Loosening of Teeth
It is perfectly normal for your teeth to feel slightly loose during the treatment process. This allows your teeth to shift into their corrected positions. After the treatment is complete, your teeth will stabilize in their new alignment.
Loose Wire or Band
If you encounter a loose wire or band, don’t worry, as this is common. If a wire is causing discomfort, you can use a blunt object (like a cotton swab) to gently move it back into place. Only do this if orthodontic wax doesn’t offer enough relief. If you continue to experience irritation, apply more wax or damp cotton and get in touch with our office to arrange a repair appointment.
General Soreness
When you first get braces, you may experience general soreness and tenderness in your teeth for about 3-5 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort.
Additionally, your lips and cheeks may feel irritated for a week or two as they adjust to the new braces. Using orthodontic wax can provide relief by covering areas that may be causing irritation.
Managing General Soreness:
- Take pain relievers as directed for discomfort.
- Apply orthodontic wax to sore spots on braces.
- Eat soft foods during the initial days after adjustments.
- Avoid very hot or cold foods that may increase sensitivity.
Rubber Band Wear
Successful orthodontic treatment requires active participation, including consistent wear of rubber bands or other prescribed appliances to move teeth and jaws into proper alignment. Following these instructions can significantly reduce treatment time.
Athletics
If you are participating in sports, please let us know! A custom mouthguard designed for contact sports may be necessary to keep your braces and teeth safe. Being aware of the proper precautions will improve your overall orthodontic experience and help maintain a healthy smile.