Patient Resources
Braces Care
Everything you need to know about caring for your braces and keeping your treatment on track.
Daily Care
Keeping Your Braces Clean
01
Brush After Meals
Brush your teeth after every meal and snack. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle the brush to clean around brackets and wires.
02
Floss Daily
Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to clean between teeth and under the archwire. Water flossers are also helpful.
03
Rinse with Mouthwash
An antimicrobial or fluoride rinse can help reach areas your toothbrush cannot and strengthen enamel around brackets.
04
Attend Appointments
Keep all scheduled adjustment appointments. Missing appointments can extend your treatment time.
Diet
Foods to Avoid
Hard Foods
Avoid These
Ice, hard candy, nuts, popcorn kernels, hard pretzels, raw carrots (cut them into small pieces instead), apples (slice them), corn on the cob (cut off the cob).
Sticky Foods
Avoid These
Caramel, taffy, gummy bears, chewing gum, fruit snacks, licorice, Starburst, and any candy that sticks to teeth and brackets.
Safe Choices
Great Options
Soft fruits, yogurt, pasta, cooked vegetables, soft breads, cheese, eggs, fish, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and ice cream.
Habits
Break These
Nail biting, pen chewing, opening packages with teeth, and chewing on hard objects can damage braces and extend treatment time.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
If a bracket comes loose, call our office to schedule a repair. In the meantime, use orthodontic wax to cover the bracket and prevent irritation. If the bracket slides along the wire, leave it in place until your appointment.
Use a pencil eraser to gently push the wire flat against the tooth. If that does not work, cover the end with orthodontic wax. Call our office if the discomfort continues. Do not cut the wire yourself.
Yes. Mild soreness for 2-3 days after an adjustment is completely normal. Over-the-counter pain relief, soft foods, and warm salt water rinses can help. If pain is severe or lasts more than a week, contact us at (904) 215-0980.