All About Braces and Oral Hygiene
How Do I Brush and Floss Properly With Braces?
Keeping your smile healthy during orthodontic treatment begins with a strong brushing and flossing routine. Braces can make cleaning more challenging, but with the right techniques, you can protect your teeth and gums throughout your entire treatment.
At JH Family Orthodontics, our team will personally show you the most effective ways to clean around brackets and wires. Patients who don’t brush well may need more frequent dental cleanings, and adult patients with a history of gum disease may benefit from seeing a periodontist during orthodontic treatment. With daily care, your smile will stay fresh and healthy from start to finish.
What Foods Can I Eat When I Have Braces?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “What can I eat with braces?” In the beginning, you’ll want to stick with soft foods—especially after adjustments when your teeth feel a bit sore. As you get used to your braces, most foods will become manageable again, but some should still be avoided to protect your appliances.
Soft foods like soups, pasta, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and scrambled eggs are great choices early on. Our team will help you understand what’s safe and what isn’t, so your braces stay in great shape throughout your treatment.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
- Sticky foods: gum, caramels
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candy
- Biting foods: apples, carrots, corn on the cob
Also, avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails, as this can damage your appliances and extend treatment time.
Is It Normal for My Teeth to Feel Sore or Loose During Treatment?
Yes, soreness and looseness are completely normal! During the first few days after getting braces, your teeth may feel tender, and your lips and cheeks might take a week or two to adjust. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, and orthodontic wax is perfect for easing irritation caused by brackets or wires.
As for loosening, that’s actually part of how braces work. Your teeth need to become slightly mobile before moving into their new positions. Once treatment is complete and your bite is aligned, your teeth will feel stable and strong again.
What Should I Do If a Wire Comes Loose or Starts Poking?
If a wire moves out of place or starts to poke your cheek, don’t panic, this is something that can happen from time to time. You can gently push it back using the eraser end of a pencil. Orthodontic wax or a small piece of wet cotton can also provide temporary comfort.
Be sure to call us as soon as possible so we can schedule a repair appointment. Fixing issues early helps keep your treatment on track and prevents irritation.
Rubber Bands and Appliances
Your orthodontic treatment is a team effort. For the best results, it’s important to wear your rubber bands or any additional appliances exactly as prescribed. Following instructions closely helps your teeth and jaws move efficiently and keeps treatment on track.
Playing Sports with Braces
Braces shouldn’t stop you from enjoying athletics. If you play contact sports, let us know so we can provide you with a custom mouthguard to protect your smile during games and practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re new to braces or already in treatment, it’s normal to have questions. We’ve gathered the most common concerns to help you feel confident every step of the way.
Are there clear options available if I don’t want my braces to show?
Yes. At JH Family Orthodontics, we offer clear ceramic braces and several clear aligner options for patients looking for a more discreet appearance.
Can I still use whitening products while wearing braces?
Whitening is not recommended during braces because it can cause uneven color. It’s best to wait until after your braces come off for professional whitening.
What should I do if a bracket breaks while I’m at school or work?
If a bracket becomes loose or broken, cover any sharp areas with wax and call our office. We’ll advise you on next steps and schedule a repair appointment.
Do braces change the shape of my lips or face?
Braces don’t change your facial structure, but they can enhance your smile and improve your bite, which sometimes gives the appearance of a more balanced facial profile.
How can I keep my braces clean when I’m away from home?
Carry a travel kit with a toothbrush, floss threader, interdental brush, and orthodontic wax. Rinsing after meals also helps remove food particles.$