How to Care for Your Braces

Caring for your braces is essential to achieve a successful orthodontic treatment outcome. Keeping your braces clean and choosing the right foods to eat can minimize discomfort, oral hygiene issues, and treatment delays. Here are some practical care tips to keep in mind:

1. Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth and braces with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day. Floss at least once a day to clean between teeth and wires.
2. Wear orthodontic appliances as instructed: Wear your elastics, headgear, or other orthodontic appliances as instructed by your orthodontist to minimize treatment time.
3. Choose foods carefully: Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can damage your braces. Cut crunchy fruits and vegetables into small pieces before eating.
4. Attend regular appointments: Keep your appointments with your orthodontist to ensure your braces are adjusted properly and your treatment plan is on track.

Pro Tip: Consider using interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas between teeth and wires.

Cleaning Your Braces

Good oral hygiene habits are especially important when wearing braces. It is important to clean your braces and teeth properly to avoid any potential health risks such as cavities and gum diseases.

To help you care for your braces properly, here is an overview of how you should clean them:

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste

When it comes to cleaning your braces, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is essential. Braces can trap food particles and make it harder to brush and floss effectively, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. By following these steps, you can ensure that your braces stay clean and healthy.

1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your braces gently. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage the wires and brackets of your braces.
2. Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth against decay and other oral health problems.
3. Brush after every meal and snack to prevent food from getting stuck in your braces. Be sure to use a floss threader to get between your teeth and under the wires of your braces.
4. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after brushing and flossing to remove any leftover debris.

With proper care, your braces can stay clean and healthy, and you can achieve the perfect smile you always wanted.

Pro Tip: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also essential to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums while wearing braces.

Use interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean between brackets and wires

Braces require special care to maintain proper oral hygiene. One of the major concerns with braces is how to clean between the brackets and wires, where food particles and plaque tend to accumulate. Using interdental brushes or floss threaders can make the cleaning process more manageable and effective.

Here’s how to use them:

• Interdental brushes: Choose an interdental brush appropriate for your teeth size. Gently guide the brush through the space between the wire and teeth, applying light pressure to remove any debris.
• Floss threaders: Tie a piece of floss onto the threader, then gently guide the threader under the wire and through the teeth. Once it’s through, slide the floss up and down between the teeth, making sure to clean both sides of each tooth.

Proper oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. Failing to remove food particles and plaque can lead to dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Rinse with fluoride mouthwash for extra protection

Rinsing with fluoride mouthwash is an important step in caring for your braces as it provides extra protection against bacteria and plaque.

1. Brush your teeth and braces thoroughly using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
2. Rinse your mouth and braces thoroughly with water.
3. Pour a small amount of fluoride mouthwash into a cup.
4. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth and braces for 30 seconds, making sure to reach all the areas of your mouth.
5. Spit out the mouthwash and avoid rinsing your mouth with water afterward.
6. Repeat this process once a day, preferably before bedtime.

Avoid Foods That Can Damage Your Braces

Braces play an important role in helping you achieve a perfect smile but require extra care. Eating certain foods can damage or loosen brackets, wires, and bands and so it is important to be aware of what you eat. This section will provide advice on how to avoid foods that can damage your braces.

Sticky and chewy foods

Sticky and chewy foods should be avoided when you have braces as they can damage the braces and impede the teeth straightening process.

Here are some examples of sticky and chewy foods to avoid:

• Caramel
• Taffy
• Gum
• Hard candy
• Chewy or sticky chocolate bars

If you want to indulge in these treats, there are braces-friendly alternatives that you can choose instead.

Pro tip: Stick to soft and easily chewable foods when wearing braces, including cooked vegetables, tender meats, and softer fruits like peaches and bananas.

Hard and crunchy foods

If you have braces, it’s important to avoid hard and crunchy foods that can cause damage to the wires or brackets, leading to discomfort and prolonging the treatment time. Here are some examples of foods to avoid:

• Popcorn: the husks can get lodged between the wires and the teeth, leading to pain and infection.
• Nuts: they require a lot of force to chew and can easily break the wires or brackets.
• Hard candy: it’s sticky and sugary, leading to tooth decay, and can damage the braces.
• Apples and carrots: even though they are healthy, these foods are harder to bite into and can damage the wires or brackets.

Instead, opt for softer foods like cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, and soups. Remember to brush and floss regularly and avoid sugary drinks to keep your mouth healthy during treatment.

Sugary foods and drinks

Sugary foods and drinks can be detrimental to the health of your braces and teeth. While enjoying sweets in moderation is acceptable, it is best to limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks to avoid damaging your braces.

Here are some tips on how to care for your braces and avoid sugary foods and drinks:

• Avoid hard and sticky candies that can damage your braces, such as gummies, caramel, and popcorn.
• Opt for sugar-free chewing gum to help promote saliva production and prevent tooth decay.
• Choose nutritious snacks like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that can better benefit your braces and overall health.
• Rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after consuming sugary drinks like soda or juice to minimize the contact of sugar with your teeth and braces.

Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene practices and following your orthodontist’s instructions can help prevent damages to your braces, ensuring a healthy and successful outcome.

Deal with Discomfort

First and foremost, it is important to be aware of the common discomforts associated with wearing braces. You may feel tightness, soreness, and mild discomfort around your mouth, jaw, and teeth following any adjustments. You may experience general discomfort throughout the day. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the discomfort.

Rinse with warm salt water to relieve soreness

Braces can cause some discomfort during the treatment process, especially after adjustments. Rinsing with warm salt water can help relieve soreness in your mouth and gums.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
2. Swish the solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then spit it out.
3. Repeat the process a few times a day, or as needed to relieve pain.

In addition to rinsing with salt water, you can also use over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, to manage discomfort. It is also advisable to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can exacerbate soreness and cause damage to your braces.

Apply Orthodontic wax to brackets and wires that irritate the mouth

Braces can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially in the first few weeks of wearing them. Applying orthodontic wax to brackets and wires that irritate the mouth can provide relief and protect the soft tissues of the mouth from irritation.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Start with clean and dry teeth and braces.
2. Tear off a small piece of wax and roll it into a ball.
3. Press the wax onto the bracket or wire that is causing irritation.
4. Use your fingers to mold the wax around the bracket or wire and smooth out the edges.
5. Repeat the process as needed, especially after eating, until the tissues of your mouth have adapted to the braces.

Pro-tip: In addition to orthodontic wax, you can also try using an orthodontic silicone or dental silicone to provide relief and protection to your gums, cheeks, and lips. Contact your orthodontist if the discomfort persists.

Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed

Braces can cause discomfort for the first few days after getting them on and after adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers are often recommended to alleviate the pain, but it is crucial to use them as directed to prevent any adverse effects.

Follow these tips when using pain relievers for braces-related discomfort:

1. Read and follow the instructions on the package for the recommended dosage.
2. Take the medicine with food to avoid stomach upset.
3. Avoid taking more than the recommended dosage, as this can lead to liver damage, stomach ulcers, and other serious health problems.
4. If the pain persists or worsens, consult your orthodontist for further advice.

Pro Tip: Using a warm saltwater rinse after brushing and flossing can also help alleviate brace-related discomfort.

Attend Appointments with Your Orthodontist

Attending regular appointments with your orthodontist is the most important step in properly caring for your braces. Through these appointments, your orthodontist will be able to ensure your braces are fitted properly and that your teeth are developing and shifting as intended. Orthodontists will also be able to answer any questions you have about caring for your braces. The more diligent you are about attending your appointments, the quicker you will be able to achieve your desired results.

Regular adjustments by your orthodontist

Regular adjustments by your orthodontist play a crucial role in the overall success of your braces treatment. Consistently attending appointments, as recommended by your orthodontist, is an essential part of caring for your braces.

Here’s why attending appointments is important:

• Your orthodontist needs to monitor your progress to ensure that your teeth are moving as planned and to make any necessary adjustments.
• Your orthodontist will check your braces for any damage and make repairs as needed to prevent delays in your treatment.
• Attending appointments allows you to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have about your treatment.

It’s recommended to schedule appointments every 4-8 weeks to ensure optimal progress.

Replacing worn-out or broken brackets

Replacing worn-out or broken brackets is an essential part of caring for your braces to ensure that they function correctly throughout the course of your treatment.

Here’s how to replace a broken or worn-out bracket:

1. First, sterilize a pair of small wire cutters and tweezers with rubbing alcohol.
2. Use the wire cutters to cut the wire that is attached to the broken bracket.
3. Gently remove the broken bracket with the tweezers.
4. Clean the tooth and the surrounding area with a toothbrush.
5. Apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the tooth to prevent irritation or discomfort.
6. Use the tweezers to insert the replacement bracket into the appropriate slot on the wire.
7. Use the wire cutters to trim the wire as needed.
8. Finally, use the pliers to bend the wire to its correct position.

Pro tip: If you are unsure about how to replace a broken or worn-out bracket, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist.

X-rays to track progress and make necessary changes

One of the essential components of caring for your braces is attending appointments with your orthodontist who may use x-rays to track progress and make necessary changes.

Here’s how it works:

When you first get your braces, your orthodontist will take x-rays of your teeth to determine the extent of the misalignment and determine the best course of action.

Throughout the course of your treatment, your orthodontist will take additional x-rays to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. X-rays allow your orthodontist to get an inside look at your teeth and jawbone, ensuring that the teeth are moving in the right direction and that the roots are healthy.

Skipping appointments or avoiding x-rays can prolong the treatment time and cause unnecessary discomfort. Regular check-ups and x-rays are crucial to ensuring that your braces treatment is effective and efficient.

Pro tip: Always keep your appointments with your orthodontist to ensure your treatment stays on track.

Protect Your Braces During Sports and Physical Activities

Sports and physical activities can be important parts of a healthy lifestyle, but they can also put extra strain on your braces. For this reason, it’s important to take extra precautions when participating in physical activities while wearing braces. Here, we’ll discuss how to properly protect your braces during sports and physical activities.

Use a mouthguard to protect your mouth and braces

Mouthguards are an essential tool for protecting your mouth and braces during sports and physical activities that could result in dental damage. Braces can be damaged or knocked loose due to accidental contact during sports, which can lead to expensive repair and delay in treatment. By wearing a mouthguard, you can protect both your teeth and your braces from damage.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while choosing and using a mouthguard:

• Look for a mouthguard that has a comfortable fit, is easy to breathe with, and does not cause any speaking difficulties.
• Clean your mouthguard regularly after use with soap and water.
• Be sure to replace your mouthguard frequently or when it becomes damaged or no longer fits correctly.
• Remember to wear your mouthguard at all times while playing sports or engaging in any physical activity to protect your teeth and braces from damage.

Avoid contact sports if possible

Avoiding contact sports when you have braces is highly recommended to ensure that your orthodontic treatment is not compromised. Contact sports like football, rugby, and boxing increase the risk of mouth injuries and braces damage.

However, if you must participate in contact sports, it is essential to take extra precautions to protect your braces.

Here are some tips to care for your braces:

• Wear a mouthguard: Mouthguards provide an extra layer of protection for your teeth and braces.
• Use orthodontic wax: Apply orthodontic wax to sharp wires and brackets to prevent them from rubbing against your gums and cheeks during physical activity.
• Avoid hard or crunchy foods: Hard or crunchy foods like popcorn, nuts or hard candy can damage your braces or even break them.
• Attend regular check-ups: Regularly visit your orthodontist to check the condition of your braces.

With these measures, you can safely participate in contact sports while keeping your braces secure and functional.

Take extra care during physical activities to avoid damage

Wearing braces can be challenging, especially during physical activities. It’s essential to take extra care to avoid damaging your braces and causing an emergency orthodontic visit. Here are some tips on how to protect your braces during sports and physical activities:

1. Wear a mouthguard: Mouthguards are essential in high-impact sports like football, basketball, etc. Mouthguards help to protect your teeth and braces and prevent injury.
2. Use orthodontic wax: Orthodontic wax helps to protect your braces from damage caused by rough edges or protruding wires. Apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the bracket or wire causing irritation or discomfort.
3. Avoid sticky foods: Sticky and chewy foods can damage your braces by pulling off the brackets or wires. Avoid caramel, gum, taffy, and other sticky snacks.
4. Regularly check your braces: Stay vigilant and check your braces routinely for any loose wires or brackets, irritation, or damage.

By taking extra care with your braces during physical activities, you can avoid damaging your orthodontic treatment and ensure a successful outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I brush my teeth with braces?

A: It is recommended to brush your teeth with braces after every meal and snack.

Q: How do I floss my teeth with braces?

A: Floss threaders or interdental brushes can help get in between the wires and brackets to remove plaque and food particles.

Q: Can I still play sports with braces?

A: Yes, but it is recommended to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces.

Q: What should I avoid eating with braces?

A: Sticky, hard, and chewy foods should be avoided as they can damage the wires and brackets.

Q: How often should I visit my orthodontist while wearing braces?

A: It is recommended to visit your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks for adjustments.

Q: How long do I need to wear braces for?

A: The duration of wearing braces varies for each individual case, but on average it takes about 18-24 months.