Brushing and Flossing
When you have braces, keeping your teeth and gums healthy becomes even more essential. Braces can make brushing and flossing more challenging, so it’s crucial to adapt your habits for a radiant smile. Failing to maintain proper oral hygiene may lead to more frequent dental cleanings. For adults with a history of gum disease, seeing a periodontist during orthodontic treatment is highly recommended.
Explore the videos below for step-by-step guidance on caring for your braces!
Eating with Braces
One of the most common questions we hear is, “What can I eat with braces?” During the first few days or after an adjustment, stick to soft foods like scrambled eggs, applesauce, or smoothies to ease any discomfort. Over time, you’ll return to enjoying many of your favorite meals. However, protecting your braces while eating is essential throughout your treatment.
Foods to Avoid
To safeguard your orthodontic appliances, steer clear of these foods:
- Chewy foods: Pizza crust, toffee, taffy
- Crunchy foods: Chips, hard taco shells
- Sticky foods: Marshmallows, honey-based treats
- Hard foods: Ice cubes, pretzels
- Foods you need to bite into: Whole apples, raw celery, corn on the cob
Additionally, avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, pencils, or fingernails, as these can damage your braces. Damaged appliances can prolong your treatment and require extra visits and fees to our office.
Handling Loose Wires or Bands
Occasionally, wires or bands may come loose. If a wire is poking and causing irritation, gently push it back into place using the eraser end of a pencil or cover it with orthodontic wax. If discomfort persists, apply more wax or wet cotton to the area. Contact our office promptly to schedule a repair appointment.
Rubber Band Wear
Achieving the best results requires teamwork between you and Dr. Flor Segovia! Your teeth and jaws can only move into the correct positions if you consistently wear your rubber bands or other prescribed appliances as directed. Skipping steps or damaging appliances can delay your progress, so follow instructions carefully to stay on track.
General Soreness
It’s normal to experience some soreness when you first get your braces. For the first few days:
- Your teeth may feel tender under biting pressure for 3–5 days.
- Over-the-counter pain relief, like Tylenol, can help.
- Lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel irritated for 1–2 weeks.
To minimize discomfort, use the orthodontic wax we provide to cover any areas causing irritation.
Loosening of Teeth
Don’t worry if your teeth feel loose during treatment—this is completely normal! Teeth need to loosen slightly before they can move into their corrected positions. Once your treatment is complete, your teeth will firm up in their new alignment.
Athletics and Mouthguards
Participating in sports is an important part of staying active and healthy. If you play, let us know, so we can help you get a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces.
Wearing a mouthguard helps prevent injuries, such as cuts, chipped teeth, or damage to your orthodontic appliances. Whether you’re on the field, court, or rink, safeguarding your smile ensures you can play with confidence and keep your treatment on schedule.
