Brushing and Flossing
It’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so your teeth and gums stay healthy during orthodontic treatment. Because braces make brushing and flossing harder and require adjusting your habits to keep a healthy smile, patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment. Watch the two videos below on the proper care of braces during orthodontic treatment.
Eating with Braces
Perhaps one of our most-asked questions about life with braces is “What can I eat?” Let’s talk about it! For the first day or so after an adjustment, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, you’ll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you’ll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you’re wearing braces.
What Foods Should I Avoid with Braces?
For the first few days after an adjustment, soft foods are usually the most comfortable. Certain foods can damage brackets and wires, which may increase treatment time and require extra appointments.
Foods to avoid with braces:
- Chewy foods: bagels, licorice, hard rolls
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
- Sticky foods: gum, caramel
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candy
- Foods you bite into: apples, carrots, corn on the cob
Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, fingernails, or other hard objects that can damage your braces.
Is Soreness Normal After Getting Braces?
Yes. It is completely normal to experience mild soreness or tenderness for a few days after getting braces or having adjustments. Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also need time to adjust.
To help relieve discomfort:
- Stick to soft foods temporarily
- Take Tylenol® or your usual pain reliever if needed
- Use orthodontic wax on areas causing irritation
- Rinse with warm salt water if your mouth feels sore
The discomfort is temporary and usually improves within several days.
Loose Teeth During Treatment
It can feel surprising, but slight tooth movement or looseness during orthodontic treatment is completely normal. Teeth need to loosen slightly before they can move into their corrected positions. Once treatment is complete, they will stabilize again.
What Should I Do If a Wire or Bracket Comes Loose?
Occasionally, wires or bands may loosen during treatment. If a wire is irritating your cheek or gums, gently push it back into place using the eraser end of a pencil if possible. Orthodontic wax or wet cotton can also help reduce irritation until your appointment.
If discomfort continues or an appliance breaks, contact our office so we can schedule a repair visit.
Why Is Wearing Rubber Bands So Important?
Rubber bands help guide your teeth and bite into their ideal positions. Wearing them consistently as instructed is essential for staying on schedule and achieving the best possible results.
Playing Sports with Braces
Patients with braces can still safely participate in sports and physical activities. If you play contact sports, we recommend wearing a protective mouthguard to help protect your teeth and orthodontic appliances during games and practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn how to care for your braces, manage soreness, protect your orthodontic appliances, and keep your treatment on track with these helpful orthodontic care tips from Maryville Family Orthodontics.
What happens if I don’t clean my teeth properly with braces?
Poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can increase the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and staining around brackets. Some patients may also need more frequent professional dental cleanings if plaque buildup becomes difficult to manage.
How long does soreness last after braces adjustments?
Most patients experience mild soreness for a few days after adjustments. The discomfort is temporary and usually improves quickly as your mouth adapts to the changes.
Do braces patients in Maryville, TN need extra dental cleanings?
Some patients may benefit from more frequent cleanings during orthodontic treatment, especially if brushing and flossing are difficult with braces. Regular dental visits help keep your smile healthy throughout treatment.
Can adults with braces still maintain healthy gums?
What should I do if my braces wire is poking my cheek?
Orthodontic wax can usually help relieve irritation temporarily. In some cases, gently moving the wire with the eraser end of a pencil may help until you can visit the office for an adjustment or repair.