Life with Braces on How to Care for Your Smile

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, straighter smile, but it also comes with a few adjustments. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your braces, eating safely, handling discomfort, and protecting your smile during treatment.

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Keeping your teeth and gums clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food can get trapped in brackets and wires, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.

Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily with a floss threader or orthodontic floss to remove food particles.
Rinse with mouthwash to help prevent bacteria buildup.
Continue visiting your dentist every six months for professional cleanings.

Brushing with braces will take some getting used to, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Be sure to brush thoroughly after meals and snacks to remove food particles before bacteria can grow. If you’re not able to brush right away, rinsing your mouth with water will help until you can use a toothbrush.

Watch the two videos below on the proper care of braces during orthodontic treatment.

Eating with Braces

For the first few days after getting braces (or after adjustments), stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soup. Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy most of your favorite foods again—just with a few precautions.

Foods to Avoid

Protect your braces by avoiding these troublemakers:

Chewy foods – bagels, hard rolls, licorice
Crunchy foods – popcorn, ice
Sticky foods – caramel, gum
Hard foods – nuts, hard candy, jerky
Biting foods – corn on the cob, whole apples, raw carrots

A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything that might cause a bracket to come loose or a wire to break. Cutting foods into small pieces instead of biting directly into them can help prevent damage.

Managing Discomfort and Soreness

It’s normal to feel soreness or tenderness for the first few days after getting braces. Your teeth may even feel slightly loose as they begin to shift into their new positions.

Take Tylenol or your preferred pain reliever if needed.
Discomfort usually subsides within 3–5 days.
Use orthodontic wax on any brackets or wires that irritate your lips, cheeks, or tongue.

Your lips, cheeks, or tongue may feel irritated at first, but this will subside as your mouth adjusts. The dental wax we provide can help cover any spots on your braces that may be causing irritation.

What to Do If a Wire or Band Comes Loose

If any part of your braces comes loose or breaks, call our office so we can determine the best next steps. In the meantime:

If a wire is poking your cheek, use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push it back into place.
If your bracket comes loose, call the office immediately.
If irritation continues, apply orthodontic wax or a wet cotton ball to the area.
If a bracket or band is broken but still attached to the wire, avoid connecting elastics to it and leave it alone until your appointment.

Rubber Band Wear

If your treatment requires rubber bands or additional appliances, be sure to wear them exactly as instructed. Skipping rubber bands or not wearing them consistently can significantly delay your treatment.

Playing Sports? Protect Your Braces with A Mouthguard

If you play contact sports, let us know! We’ll provide a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces during games and practice. Wearing a mouthguard can help prevent injuries like cuts, broken brackets, or even damage to your teeth. It’s a simple step that keeps your orthodontic treatment on track while allowing you to stay active and enjoy your favorite sports.

Keep Your Smile Healthy and On Track

Braces are a big step, but with good care, they’ll bring you one step closer to the confident, straight smile you’ve always wanted. By maintaining excellent oral hygiene, making smart food choices, and following Dr. Scott Sprayberry’s instructions, you’ll keep your treatment on track and your smile looking its best.