All About Braces Maintenance and Care
Brushing and Flossing for a Healthy Smile
Wearing braces means adapting your oral care routine to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Since braces create more places for plaque to hide, brushing and flossing thoroughly is essential to prevent cavities and gum disease. Neglecting oral hygiene may lead to additional visits to the dentist for professional cleanings.
For adults undergoing orthodontic treatment, those with a history of gum disease should consider seeing a periodontist for specialized gum care during treatment.
What to Eat with Braces
A common question we hear is, “What can I eat with braces?” While braces won’t keep you from enjoying delicious meals, certain foods should be avoided to protect your orthodontic appliances.
Foods to Steer Clear Of
- Chewy foods – Bagels, tough bread, and licorice
- Crunchy snacks – Popcorn, ice, and hard chips
- Sticky treats – Caramel, gum, and chewy candies
- Hard foods – Nuts, hard candy, and raw carrots
- Biting hazards – Corn on the cob, whole apples, and ribs
Tip: Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails—this can damage your braces and delay your treatment progress.
Adjusting to Braces
Wearing braces is a big step toward achieving a healthier, more confident smile. As your mouth adapts, it’s important to be patient and follow Dr. Alicia Hutchison’s recommendations to ensure a smooth transition.
Mild Soreness Is Normal
For the first few days after getting braces, you may experience tenderness when chewing. This discomfort typically lasts 3 to 5 days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol.
Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also feel irritated as they adjust to your braces. Applying orthodontic wax to brackets can help reduce discomfort.
Loose Teeth? Don’t Worry!
If your teeth feel slightly loose, this is completely normal. Braces work by gently shifting your teeth into alignment, and slight movement is expected. Once your treatment is complete, your teeth will stabilize in their new positions.
Handling a Loose Wire or Bracket
If a wire or bracket comes loose, don’t panic—it happens occasionally. Here’s what you can do:
- If a wire is poking or irritating your mouth, try gently pushing it back into place using the eraser end of a pencil.
- If that doesn’t help, apply orthodontic wax or a small piece of wet cotton to ease discomfort.
- Call our office so we can schedule an adjustment as soon as possible.
The Importance of Rubber Bands
Elastics (rubber bands) play a key role in guiding teeth and jaws into their correct positions. Following the instructions exactly is crucial—inconsistent wear can delay your treatment. Wearing them as directed ensures steady progress and helps achieve the best possible results in the shortest time.
Protecting Your Smile with a Mouthguard
If you’re involved in sports, let us know! We provide custom mouthguards to protect your teeth and braces during contact sports. Wearing a mouthguard is essential to prevent injuries and keep your treatment on track. A properly fitted mouthguard not only protects your braces but also helps prevent damage to your lips, cheeks, and jaw during physical activity.
