All About Braces Care
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Keeping your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment is essential for both your smile and oral health. Braces create small spaces where food particles and plaque can easily hide, so brushing and flossing regularly is more important than ever.
- Patients who don’t maintain proper hygiene may need more frequent professional dental cleanings.
Adults with a history of gum disease should also schedule visits with a periodontist to monitor gum health during orthodontic treatment.
Eating with Braces
One of the most common questions patients ask is, “What can I eat with braces?”
In the first few days after adjustments, stick to soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, pasta, or yogurt.
Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can damage brackets and wires.
With time, you’ll be able to enjoy many of your favorite foods again, but protecting your appliances should always come first.
Examples of Foods to Avoid with Braces
Sticky or Chewy foods: bagels, licorice, caramels, Starburst, tootsie rolls, chewing gums
Hard or Crunchy foods: nuts, popcorn, ice, hard pizza crusts
Foods you bite into: apples, uncooked carrots, corn on the cob
Chewing on pens, fingernails, or pencils can also damage braces and delay your treatment progress.
General Soreness
Mild soreness is normal after braces are first placed or adjusted. Discomfort typically lasts 3–5 days.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, like Tylenol, can help manage tenderness.
Orthodontic wax can be applied to brackets to reduce irritation to the lips, cheeks, or tongue.
Loosening of Teeth
Don’t worry if your teeth feel loose; this is expected during treatment. Teeth must loosen slightly before they can shift into their corrected positions. Once treatment is complete, they will stabilize and feel secure again with proper retainer wear.
Loose Wire or Appliances
Occasionally, a wire, bracket, or band may come loose.
- Always take a scan with your Grin scope and contact us via the Grin App if you notice anything loose or have any concerns; our team will promptly guide you through the appropriate next steps
Some irritation can be reduced by gently pushing the loose part back into place with a blunt object, such as the eraser end of a pencil
Apply orthodontic wax or a small piece of cotton to reduce discomfort until you can be seen.
We will schedule an appointment for you to repair any breakages and keep your treatment on track.
Rubber Band Wear
Rubber bands (or Elastics) and other appliances only work if worn exactly as prescribed. Consistency is key! Not following instructions can prolong your treatment time. Following Dr. Lin’s instructions will make sure your smile reaches its best results as quickly as possible.
Playing Sports with Braces
If you play contact sports, let us know. We’ll provide you with a protective mouthguard to keep your braces and teeth safe during games and practices.
