All About Braces Care Tips
Wearing braces is a major step toward achieving a straighter, healthier smile, but to get the best results, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your daily habits. At Hunt Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you through every step of your orthodontic journey, including how to care for your braces and what to expect along the way.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
When you wear braces, keeping your teeth and gums clean becomes even more important. Plaque and food particles can get trapped more easily, leading to gum disease or tooth decay if not properly managed.
Tips for maintaining oral hygiene:
Brush after every meal with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to clean between teeth and under wires
Rinse with water or mouthwash to flush out lingering debris
Patients with a history of gum disease may also need to see a periodontist during treatment for added care.
Eating with Braces: What to Know
One of the most common questions we hear is: “What can I eat with braces?” While you’ll need to make some changes to protect your brackets and wires, you won’t be limited forever.
In the first few days after getting braces or adjustments:
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies
Avoid biting into anything hard, crunchy, or sticky
Foods to Avoid with Braces
To protect your appliances and stay on track with treatment, steer clear of:
Chewy foods: bagels, licorice, hard rolls
Crunchy foods: popcorn, chips, ice
Sticky sweets: gum, caramel, taffy
Hard foods: nuts, hard candies
Bite-into foods: whole apples, corn on the cob, raw carrots
Also, avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, pencils, or fingernails, which can damage your braces and extend treatment time.
Managing Discomfort: General Soreness
When you first get braces, it’s normal to experience:
Mild soreness or pressure on your teeth (typically lasts 3–5 days)
Irritation of the lips, cheeks, or tongue, which should resolve within 1–2 weeks
To ease the discomfort:
Take over-the-counter pain relief like Tylenol
Use orthodontic wax (provided by our office) to protect soft tissues from bracket irritation
Loose Teeth During Treatment
Don’t worry if your teeth feel a little loose, it’s a normal and necessary part of treatment. Your teeth need to shift before they settle into their final, corrected positions. Once treatment ends, they’ll feel firm and stable again.
Dealing with a Loose Wire or Band
If a wire or band comes loose:
Try gently tucking it back under the archwire using a pencil eraser or similar blunt object
If irritation persists, apply wax or a small piece of wet cotton to the area
Call our office to schedule a repair appointment
Only make temporary adjustments if you’re experiencing discomfort; you don’t need to fix it alone.
Rubber Bands: Your Role in Treatment
Patient cooperation is key to successful orthodontic results. If you’re instructed to wear rubber bands or other appliances, it’s important to follow directions exactly.
Wear them consistently as prescribed
Replace them as often as instructed
Let us know if any part of your appliance breaks or becomes uncomfortable
Skipping rubber band wear or damaging appliances can delay your progress and extend treatment time.
Playing Sports with Braces
If you’re involved in sports, especially contact sports, please let us know! We’ll provide a custom mouthguard designed to protect your teeth and appliances during activity.
Taking care of your braces is an important part of your orthodontic success. With just a few new habits and some extra care, you’ll keep your smile on track and avoid unnecessary delays.