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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adjusting to life with braces is easier when you know what to expect. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about caring for your braces, managing discomfort, protecting your appliances, and keeping your treatment on track.
How Do I Care for My Braces in Auburn, AL?
Proper braces care includes brushing after meals, flossing daily, avoiding foods that can damage brackets or wires, and attending all scheduled orthodontic appointments. Following Dr. Scott Sprayberry’s instructions will help keep your treatment progressing smoothly and your smile healthy.
What Foods Should I Avoid While Wearing Braces?
Patients should avoid hard, sticky, chewy, and crunchy foods that may damage braces. Common examples include popcorn, gum, caramel, hard candy, ice, nuts, and chewy bagels. Cutting food into smaller pieces can help reduce the risk of broken brackets or wires.
Is It Normal for Braces to Hurt After Adjustments?
Yes. Mild soreness and tenderness are common for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted. Most patients find that discomfort improves within three to five days and can be managed with orthodontic wax, soft foods, and over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
What Should I Do If a Bracket or Wire Breaks?
If a bracket becomes loose or a wire is causing irritation, contact our office as soon as possible for guidance. In the meantime, orthodontic wax can help reduce discomfort, and a clean pencil eraser may be used to gently reposition a poking wire until your appointment.
Can I Play Sports While Wearing Braces?
Absolutely. Patients can continue participating in sports and other activities while wearing braces. We recommend wearing a protective mouthguard during contact sports to help prevent injuries to your teeth, lips, cheeks, and orthodontic appliances.