Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile. To ensure your treatment is as smooth and successful as possible, it’s important to understand how to properly care for your braces and adjust to life with them. Here’s everything you need to know!
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Good oral hygiene is absolutely essential during orthodontic treatment. Braces create small spaces around your teeth where food particles and plaque can hide, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss at least once daily using floss threaders or orthodontic flossers.
Use an interdental brush or water flosser to clean around brackets and wires.
Rinse with mouthwash to reduce bacteria and maintain fresh breath.
If you have a history of gum disease, we may recommend seeing a periodontist while in braces.
What Can I Eat with Braces?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “What can I eat?” The good news is, there are plenty of foods you can enjoy with just a few adjustments.
During the first few days (especially after an adjustment), stick to:
Soft foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, pasta, and yogurt
Avoid anything hard or crunchy that might irritate your teeth
Foods to Avoid Throughout Treatment
To protect your brackets and wires, avoid the following:
Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
Sticky foods: gum, caramels, taffy
Hard foods: nuts, hard candy
Biting into hard items: corn on the cob, apples, raw carrots
Non-food habits: chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails
Damaged appliances can slow your progress and may lead to extra visits.
Managing Soreness and Discomfort
It’s normal to experience some discomfort after getting braces or following an adjustment. You may feel pressure in your teeth and mild soreness in your lips or cheeks.
Here’s what can help:
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol as needed
Use orthodontic wax on brackets that cause irritation
Stick to soft foods during the first few days
Rinse with warm salt water to soothe your gums
Most soreness fades within 3 to 5 days, and the mouth typically adapts to braces in about 1 to 2 weeks.
Why Are My Teeth Feeling Loose?
Don’t worry—this is a normal part of treatment! Your teeth need to loosen slightly so they can move into the correct position. Once your treatment is complete, they’ll stabilize in their new, improved alignment.
What to Do if a Wire or Bracket Comes Loose
Sometimes, a wire or bracket may come loose. If this happens:
Try gently pushing the wire back into place using the eraser end of a pencil
Apply orthodontic wax or a small piece of wet cotton to reduce irritation
Call our office to schedule a repair appointment—we’re here to help!
Wearing Rubber Bands as Directed
Rubber bands (elastics) play a crucial role in moving your teeth and jaws into the correct position. Consistent wear is key to staying on track with your treatment timeline.
Be sure to:
Wear your rubber bands exactly as instructed
Replace them as often as directed (typically daily)
Let us know if you lose them or run out—we’ll give you more!
Following instructions = faster treatment and better results!
Playing Sports with Braces
If you’re an athlete, we’ve got you covered. Just let us know what sports you play and we can discuss options and solutions with you.
