Braces Care
Taking care of your Braces is essential—not just for achieving the best possible results, but also for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums throughout your treatment. Braces work hard to straighten your smile, but they need your support to do their job effectively. By developing a few simple daily habits, you can protect your appliances from damage, prevent unnecessary delays, and keep your orthodontic journey on track. With the right care, you’ll not only finish treatment sooner but also enjoy a healthier, more confident smile every step of the way.
Braces Care Instructions
Please read and follow instructions below.
How Often Should I Get a Cleaning?
It is highly recommended to increase the frequency of professional dental cleanings—ideally scheduling them every three to four months instead of the usual six—to ensure a deeper clean and prevent potential issues. The presence of braces significantly raises the risk of cavities and gum inflammation, making consistent oral care even more critical in preserving the health of your teeth and gums throughout your orthodontic treatment.
What Foods Do I Avoid?
Certain foods can damage your braces or slow down your treatment. Sticky, hard, and chewy foods can break brackets, bend wires, or get trapped in hard-to-clean places—leading to cavities and delays. Choosing softer, braces-safe foods will help keep your treatment on track and your smile healthy.
Sticky Foods and Candies
Hard & Crunchy foods
Tough Foods
Daily Care Routine
- Brush After Every Meal
Brushing after eating helps remove food and plaque trapped around brackets and wires. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, making sure to clean above, below, and around every bracket. - Floss Once a Day
Flossing with braces takes a little extra effort, but it’s essential for healthy gums and clean teeth. Use a floss threader or a water flosser to reach between teeth and under the wires. - Rinse with Fluoride
A fluoride mouth rinse can help strengthen enamel and prevent cavities during treatment. It’s an easy extra step that offers added protection. - Take Your Time
Give yourself at least two full minutes to brush carefully. Slow, thorough cleaning is much more effective than rushing through your routine.
Emergency Care Instructions
Soreness
Use warm salt water rinses and/or take Tylenol for discomfort.
Poking Wires or Irritations
Sometimes with a loose bracket or thin wire, the wire may stick out and irritate the cheeks. If possible, push the wire back inside the molar tube with a pencil eraser or cotton swab. A clean nail clipper cleaned with rubbing alcohol can also be used to clip the wire for relief. Please contact us if you are unable to resolve the issue.
Loose or Broken Bracket
Leave the loose or broken bracket in place and cover with wax for comfort. We will repair the bracket at the next appointment.