Living with Braces

Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Smile Journey Comfortable and Care Free

How to Keep Teeth Clean with Braces

Brushing and flossing after meals are essential for healthy teeth and gums with braces. Our team can recommend special toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss to make cleaning easier.

Pro Tip
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss threaders to reach around brackets and wires effectively.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can damage braces or get stuck in brackets, so it’s best to avoid:

Chewy
Bagels, licorice
Crunchy
Popcorn, chips, ice
Sticky
Gum, caramel
Hard
Nuts, hard candies

Braces-Friendly Foods

Enjoy foods that are gentle on braces, like:

Dairy
Yogurt, soft cheeses
Grains
Rice, pasta
Fruits
Bananas, applesauce
Soft Veggies
Steamed spinach, mashed potatoes
Meats
Tender chicken, meatballs

Soreness & Discomfort

It’s normal to feel a little sore after getting braces. Rinsing with warm salt water and using over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Any discomfort usually fades after the first week or two.

Loose Wires & Bands
If a wire or band loosens, use a pencil eraser to gently push it back into place, then cover with dental wax until your next visit.

Playing Sports with Braces

Good news! You can keep playing sports with braces—just make sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces. If there’s any injury to your mouth, check for loose teeth or damage and give us a call right away.

Caring for Your Retainer

When you’re ready for a retainer, it’s important to wear it as directed to maintain your new smile.

Remove Before Eating
Always take it out before meals and store it in its case.
Daily Cleaning
Clean with warm water and a toothbrush every day to keep it fresh.

Palatal Expander Tips

The palatal expander helps create space in the upper jaw for proper alignment. Here’s how to adjust it:

Have the patient tilt their head back in a well-lit space.
Insert the key into the expander hole.
Push the key toward the back of the mouth.
Remove the key and check for the next opening.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)

TADs are small titanium anchors that help guide tooth movement. They’re placed with local anesthesia, and any initial soreness is usually mild. Just brush around the TADs as you would with braces, and they’ll be removed when they’re no longer needed.